LOOK! Another chapter you didn't have to wait an insane amount of time for! I'm pretty excited that I could get this to you all as quickly as I could, I was on vacation for a few days. However I've been slacking with responding to your reviews and I'm sorry for that but I think my time spent doing this is much better. I do appreciate all of the support you all are giving me in those reviews though, don't think for a second that I don't! Just a quick little note this story originally was set to be 30 chapters with an Epilogue, but I'm not sure we will get that far, we'll just have to see I suppose. Enjoy!

Chapter 24

Paul watched her from across the fire. His fists clenched teeth grinding. She was laughing at something Seth had just said. Looking so happy it made his damn heart hurt. She was leaving in two days, how could she be so happy when he was on the verge of panic.

~U~

Earlier that day Angela and Bella graduated high school, the entire pack had been there along with the elders minus Old Quil. When Bella tripped her way across the stage Jake hooted and hollered his voice carrying over the teasing comments from Embry and Quil. Paul stood frozen in place by Angela's parents as her name was called. She was the last one to walk across that stage and damn if it didn't hurt his heart more than a little bit. His eyes were glued to her every movement, he could see the shake of her hands as she'd accepted her diploma, he could feel the roar of the pack from across the gym as they clapped and cheered but he couldn't take his eyes off of her. When she finally stepped off the stage her eyes locked with his and she smiled it was big, full and happy at first but the smile quickly turned sad before she dipped her head and made her way to her seat.

~U~

To say that things had been tense between them the last couple of weeks would be an understatement. Every time they got together, which was practically every night they'd end up in some kind if spat Angela would eventually hang her head and ask him to take her home. He'd do as she'd ask but when they got there he'd apologize; they'd kiss and be better at least until the next day. They pack was in his ass about it and surprisingly enough Emily of all people didn't waist time bringing it to his attention that he'd been screwing up.

Paul wasn't an idiot he knew shit between them was messed up but how could it not be? A lot of it stemmed from the fact that she had been dragging him around all week to spend time in Forks, with her friends. At times Paul wished he would have kept his mouth shut, he didn't give a shit about her friends he just wanted to spend time with her before she left, and she was still leaving Forks, leaving him. None of the other wolves had to experience what he was about to experience and so their advice had fallen on deaf ears. All of the other imprints had stayed with their wolves. His imprint was walking away like it was nothing.

~U~

A shocked gasped came rang out from across the bonfire and Paul's head jerked up just in time to see her ex's arms drop from around her waist. On his feet Paul didn't waist anytime charging around the campfire toward the two. Just feet from them a hand to his shoulder stopped him in his tracks, "calming down would probably be the best decision in this situation." Paul bit back a snarl as his head jerked toward Angela's dad. John Webber was wearing a mask of concern and sadness as the hand gripped Paul's shoulder, "they're friends who aren't going to see each other for a very long time."

This time Paul couldn't help it, "I'm not going to see her either."

"She won't be crying over him when she leaves Paul, or calling him every day. You know that, things are hard now I understand but she's made it very clear to us that she will be coming back as much as possible and it won't be to see us." After a few minutes her dad patted his shoulder and walked over to Angela and gave her a hug before gathering his wife and leaving the beach. Paul stood rooted to the spot and watched as Angela's parents made their way up the path to the parking lot. Leaving their two screaming boys now at Seth's mercy. When her parent's taillights disappeared Paul's focus went back to Angela. While Ben stood at her side she paid him no attention as she chatted with a group of her friends from Forks. Paul growled low in his throat when he felt Jared come to his side, "what are they even doing here? They've been up her ass all week, and she's going to at least two parties tomorrow night."

Not taking his eyes off Angela Paul could see Jared turn toward him and make a face, "don't start a fight with her tonight Paul, she's leaving in two days." With that his friend shook his head and walked away. As Paul continued to watch Angela and her friends he figured maybe that's what would be the best thing for him to do. He'd leave the party in order to prevent the fight he knew deep down he was about to cause, he could always tell her goodbye tomorrow.

~U~

Leah watched as Paul shook his head and turned away from Angela slowly walking across the darkened beach toward the woods. Thirty minutes later Angela plopped down beside Leah and bumped her shoulder, "he left didn't he?" Bumping her back Leah nodded her head, "he looked to be especially pissy so it was probably for the best."

"I just wanted to spend some time with him tonight without arguing, I hoped that we could be normal again before I left."

Leah snorted and shot Angela a look, "there is nothing normal about you and Paul Lahote."

"Do you know where he went, I should probably-"

"If you go looking for him you'll probably end up fighting, he was about to rip that boys face off before your dad stopped him earlier," Leah said nodding her head toward Ben who was trying to wrap himself around one of the girls in the Forks group.

With a frustrated sigh Angela buried her face in her hands, "he knows-"

"He might know," Leah interrupted, "but this is Paul we're talking about. Just let him blow off some steam he'll come back."

~U~

Paul looked out over the flat surface of the untouched lake. The moon was like a mirror on the water and the first thought that popped into his mind when he saw it was how beautiful Angela would think this place was. Plunging his hand into the cool water Paul grabbed a handful of pebbles and launched them into the water. As the small ripples ruined the perfect picture Paul gripped the back of his neck and snarled. He'd ran for at least an hour past their Northern border before he stopped here, not exhausted but run down Paul was just done. He was tired of thinking about his girl leaving, tired of all the looks and advice from his pack. He just wanted to be left alone; he didn't want to have to think about anything. Unfortunately, Paul realized as the scent of human blood and rot washed over him, his need for solitude wasn't going to happen.

Phasing as the red headed leech screamed out of the woods at him Paul searched through the mind link for a pack member and came up empty. Unsure if he was too far from La Push or if the others were switching shifts Paul let a moment of panic seize him before he caught sight of the blood smeared on the smiling bitches face. With a lunge he snapped at her as she launched herself into the air. Being at the edge of the lake there was no tree to latch onto as per her usual so when she came back down behind him knee deep in water Paul took after her. What he didn't count on was her speed in the water. On land leeches were fast but in the water if at all possible she seemed to be faster. As Paul charged toward her she crouched and flew straight into the air the water that clung to her coat rained down on him and before he could maneuver backwards she landed like a Mack truck half on his neck half on his back and he was shoved underwater. Paul fought against her his claws sinking into the mud and tiny pebbles unable to get traction he did the only thing he could think to do when her arms tightened around his neck, he phased. As his body shrunk Paul fought out of her grasp and charged toward the shore, before he could get there the leech grabbed his ankle and jerked. Screaming in pain as his hip gave a nasty pop Paul kicked back with his good foot and felt a small victory when pain shot through his heel as it connected with something. Stunned the leeches grip on his ankle loosened and Paul jerked forward out of her grasp. His scream transformed into a roar of both pain and anger as he phased back. This time when the mind link snapped into place everyone was there.

~U~

Leah knew the music and laughter inside Emily's kitchen was loud enough to drown out the distant howls of the pack as they slowly faded away toward the North. Shivering inside Embry's ratty old sweatshirt Leah knew something was going on, but as she made her way quickly across the yard she had no intention of ruining the night by telling the girls.

~U~

Thankfully Jake was the first on the scene. Paul didn't know how in the hell he'd made it as long as he did fighting the vamp on his own given his state or how Jake had gotten there as quickly as he did but he could have kissed the baby Alpha when he came charging out of the woods. When Paul had phased the chaos in his head was so bad that he's thought for a moment about phasing back but Jake had shut them all up and did some crazy ass mind suck in order to pinpoint Paul's location. The stunt had stunned the pack stupid quiet for the longest time until the planning began. As it turned out the plan wasn't needed, when Jake charged out of the woods hatred filled the redhead's eyes her nasty cackle filled the otherwise silent night and she launched herself into the lake like a torpedo.

As soon as she was out of sight Paul phased back with a yelp of pain and let his body sink into the lake. The cool water caressing his sore bones felt so good he had no intention of moving, he may have even snarled a bit when Jake's hands snaked under his arms and around his chest to drag him out of the water. When they made it all the way to the shore Jake lay Paul on his back and jerked his shorts on.

"What the hell were you doing Paul?"

Rolling his eyes Paul peeled his eyes open and stared up at Jake, "oh ya know just playing around."

~U~

Leah was sitting on the porch swing starring into the dark waiting when the pack came out of the woods. The moon was shining bright enough that she could see them as they made their way across Sam's yard. Leah's heart rate sped up then slammed to a stop all together; two were missing. Launching off the porch at Embry, Leah couldn't help the sob that escaped when she crashed into Embry's chest.

"Lee, Seth's alright." Embry soothed as his arms wrapped around her.

She could feel the heat of the pack surrounding them until Embry's head gave a little bob. Slowly she peeled herself away from his chest. Embry shot her a small cautious smile and accepted the slap to his chest with a sigh.

"Don't ever come back with out him."

"He's ok, didn't even see any action."

Leah turned her head just as Sam stepped onto the porch, "they don't know. They were inside and the music was too loud."

All of the guys nodded and slowly made their way into the now quiet house.

"Where is he?"

"Paul got banged up pretty bad, was an hour out of the border when he came across the redhead. She was just playing with him thankfully until Jake showed up. He didn't want us to bring him here so Seth took him back to his place."

"He's going to be alright?"

Leah felt Embry wince, "he said she had her arms around him so he had to phase back. When he was trying to get out of the water she grabbed his leg and popped his hip out of socket. Jake had it popped back in right before we got there, but he's hurting pretty bad. No broken bones, he'll be fine."

"Do you need anything?"

Embry chuckled in her ear and gave her a squeeze, "I didn't see any action either Lee, just Paul. You look tired though let's sit."

Nodding into his side she let Embry lead her back to the porch.

~U~

Angela's eyes slowly popped open as a snore ripped through the room. There were bodies wrapped around each other all over. Bella was curled around Jake's body in the chair directly across from the couch she and Claire were laying on. Quil was sitting up his head bent at an odd angle resting on the couch arm his mouth open his snoring ranging from soft to jackhammer loud. Sam and Emily were spooning in front of the TV while Jared and Kim were wrapped around each other in the other chair. As gently as she could Angela wiggled herself off of the couch and tip toed her way out of the living room. After getting a drink from the tap she slowly made her way outside to the porch. Without letting the screen door slap she stood taking in the graying sky as dawn slowly approached. The rattling of chains and creak of wood to her left caught her attention and with a quite start Angela's eyes met Embry's. He was sitting on the porch swing Leah's head in his lap as he slowly swayed them back and forth. She shot him a smile and watched as his hand lovingly stroked down Leah's jet black hair.

"Everyone else still passed out?"

Bobbing her head Angela took a couple of steps forward and took a seat on the top step, "it's still pretty early and we were all up kind of late."

Nodding Embry continued to stroke Leah's hair as he watched her.

When Angela couldn't take the sight she looked away pressing her lips together to keep from asking him where Paul was. Looking out into the yard her heart hurt, Paul had never come back like Leah said he would. Everyone else was inside loving wrapped up in each other and she was alone. Smacking her knees in frustration Angela stood, "I think I'm just going to-" she jerked her thumb over her shoulder and turned back toward the house. When she walked past the swing Embry's hand shot out and grabbed her wrist gently. "He's going to be pissed at me for this but he's at home, he's been there all night before you go home you should stop by." When Angela opened her mouth to protest Embry shook his head, his fingers rubbing circles against Leah's back, "he was going to come back last night Ange, but something came up, he'd want to see you."

After Angela gathered her camera and over night bag from the house Embry told her how to get to Paul's house from Sam's. As she made her way down a road that they'd passed too many times to count her feelings ranged from anger to hurt. Every time he'd taken her to first beach, they'd passed the road to his house and he'd never said a word. The road wasn't marked, it looked barely used as trees limbs and brush encroached on the gravel. The further she got down the road she realized it wasn't a road but a driveway a very long, winding driveway. When rounded yet another curve she stopped dead in her tracks. The gravel road just ended and right in front of her sat Paul's black truck just behind that his small cabin. She'd been here just days ago but she'd slept during the drive, didn't really look at the place other than the short tour he gave her of the inside. With the sun slowly rising she took it in without his grumbling presence to spoil it. The little hunting cabin was surrounded by overgrown grass, wildflowers and ivy. The woods all around the cabin were so thick she couldn't see far into them, but behind that little cabin she could see the gray sky. Pulling her camera from inside the car Angela snapped a shot of the place enjoying the beauty and peacefulness of it all. As her eyes continued to scan the place Seth's panicked face came into view and she smiled and made her way toward him. Before she could get very far though he shot off the porch and stood in front of her worry laced across his face.

"I don't-" Seth stopped and gripped the back of his neck, "I'm not sure you're supposed to be here."
Eyes narrowed Angela laid a hand on his bare shoulder and felt him flinch, "Embry told me to come."

Seth's breath blew out in a gush and he sagged in relief, "are you going to be ok if I leave, I don't really want to be here when he wakes up."

Angela smiled while nodding, "yeah I'll be fine."

After reassuring Seth that she was going to be fine Angela watched him as he disappeared into the woods.

~U~

Struggling against the redheaded bitches hold on his leg Paul fought as hard as he could to escape, she was toying with him again. Her bloody sneer pissing him off more as each cackle ripped from her lips. She was just wrapping her hands around his throat when he caught his imprints scent.

~U~

Angela couldn't help the gasp that escaped, the sight before her was a work of art. Paul's body took up nearly the entire mattress his bare back smeared with dried mud and what looked to be pieces of grass. Angela couldn't take her eyes off of him. One of his arms was under his pillow the sheet draped around his waist as his bare legs stuck out the bottom. The leg that jutted out to the side was close to slipping off the side of the bed as he groaned and shifted. Before she realized what she was doing she was slowly walking around the room snapping pictures of his form as he slept, the need to get the sight before her at every angle was her main focus.

When Paul groaned again she stilled watching, waiting to see what he was going to do, if he was going to say anything. When her name ripped from his lips with a snarl she backed up so quickly that she slammed into the wall and Paul flipped over lighting fast and before she realized his naked body had hers caged against the wall.

~U~

His eyed were wild his breath coming out in short angry pants, "you're ok."

Without answering Angela's eyes slowly disconnected from his and roamed down his body, the skin at his ribs had a slightly green yellow hue to it; the urge to run her finger along the spot and ask him if he was ok ate at her. Before she could question him Paul growled and tipped her chin up with a calloused finger.

"Angel what are you doing here?"

Closing her eyes Angela shook her head to a gather her thoughts. "You left the party last night, when you didn't come back Embry told me to come here."

Angela was stunned when Paul rested his forehead against her own, "of course he did, how long have you been here, where's Seth?"

"I haven't been here long, Seth is gone."

~U~

Paul sucked in a deep breath to calm his racing heart, the dream had freaked him the fuck out but, his heart was racing for an entirely different reason. Sucking in another deep breath Paul could smell her, she may not have been at his house long but she must have liked what she saw, her smell was every where. It wasn't her normal smell either, it was the one he hadn't experienced in quite a while what with his being a dick and all, "you smell so damn good right now."

When Angela whimpered Paul captured her up tilted face and kissed her.

As soon as his lips touched hers Angela melted against the wall, allowing Paul to crowd her even further, when his body pressed the camera into her chest he stepped back asking permission with his eyes as his hands went to the strap of the camera. With a nod she waited as he slowly slipped the camera from her neck and hung it on a hook next to the door before his lips claimed her once again.

~U~

Every time Paul kissed her everything else slipped away and fire took its place. This time was no different, the hurt and anger she felt when she realized he didn't come back last night was gone. All the tension that had been surrounding them for the last few weeks flew out the window when his tongue plunged into his mouth, and when he growled and pulled her even closer Angela's mind went blank. All she wanted in the moment was for his hands to be all over her body, touching, stroking, soothing, offering a reassurance that he was there. That he wasn't going to go anywhere, that everything was ok. She needed him with an urgency that she hadn't felt since the very first time she'd kissed him. To her surprise he was the one in control this time, his hands were still roaming his mouth still owning hers but there were no crazy noises, his hands weren't ripping at her clothes, even though that's what she wanted.

"Paul please," she whimpered when his mouth left hers to travel down the column of her throat.

"What do you need Angel?"

"You," Angela groaned as his thumbs brushed the underside of her breasts.

"I'm right here, not going anywhere."

Angela could hear the change in his voice when he said it and she knew he was still angry, but damn it she was here now, "Paul just."

"Tell me what you want Angel."

Letting her hands roam from his bareback around to his chest Angela flexed her fingers then slowly drug them down his chest. She watched as the goosebumps broke out across his skin and a snarl ripped from his throat.

"Do you have time for this today, don't you have friends you need to see before you leave."

So he was still angry, but she didn't want to fight she just wanted this moment, she realized that she wanted it more than she'd ever had. She was leaving, the thought terrified her, but he didn't know that. Didn't know that she'd actually considered canceling her plans on going to the summer session just to stay with him a bit longer. "Don't fight with me just touch me."

"I'm touching you, don't you feel it?" Paul growled as he rocked his hips into her, his dick pressing into her center.

"I need you Paul, just you, not this fight."

The way she panted those words as her body shook against his caused the anger inside him to subside, "what do you want Angel, tell me specifically what exactly you're needing right now."

Paul drew back and held her face, locking eyes with her he needed to know, "tell me."

Staring back at him Paul was surprised to see her eyes open wide yet fully focused on him, she didn't have that nervous look about her like she normally did when they were fooling around.

"I'm scared to leave," Angela whispered as her hands gripped his bare hips, "I'm going to be gone and I won't get to feel this, feel you. I just need your hands on me; I need to feel you against me before I won't feel it anymore."

The words brought all kids of questions to his mind, but the fact that she said she wouldn't feel it anymore got him, "you're not coming back to me are you?"

Angela's eyes widened for a beat before she lifted up on her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck, her lips at the shell of his ear, "tell me not to go and I won't, tell me that everything is going to be better with us Paul; no more fighting and I'll stay."

Paul opened his mouth to do just that but the words wouldn't come out, would they really be better? Being completely honest Paul knew that they wouldn't. He knew that making her stay in this shit hole with him would only be worse, even if it was for the summer. They might be happy for a month maybe two but then it would come time for her to actually leave and he'd be a dick again because he wouldn't want her to leave and then they'd be right back where they were right now.

"I can't do that." It was the hardest fucking thing he'd ever had to say, and it shocked the hell out of him when a sob tore out and her body bowed against his.