Author's Note: So this chapter took a life of its own. Kim's part became smaller and smaller the more I wrote. It's still there, but other parts took more center. It is in Sam's POV like I said it would probably be in. Anyway, hope you like it. It's longer than many of the previous chapters have been.

DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer, along with Little, Brown and Company, owns all the rights to the Twilight Saga. I own nothing and profit nothing from this story.

I couldn't believe we were actually fighting about nicknames. There had to be more to it than that. After all, she'd avoided me all week. I knew work and school hadn't kept her busy every single day like she claimed. I had let it go, hoping all she needed was time to get over whatever was bothering her. Perhaps she would talk to me eventually. Clearly, that approach didn't work.

"All right, obviously something has been bothering you all week, Bella, and I tried to be patient and let you bring up the topic, but you haven't. And now you are but you sound like I should automatically know what the problem is. But you've got to tell me things. I'm not a freaking mind reader like your leech ex. So what is this really about, Bella?"

"Don't bring Edward into this! And he couldn't read my mind so that argument doesn't even work," she said standing up. The argument started with my ex, so why couldn't hers make an appearance?

"You've brought my ex into this, why can't I bring yours into this fight?" I stood as well, my inner wolf not liking being yelled at from above as if he was inferior.

"Because my ex doesn't seem to pop up everywhere and flirt with me." What the fuck is she going on about now? This woman is going to drive me insane.

"I can't control where she is or what she does, Bella."

"But you can control how you react and behave around her."

"Meaning what?" I sneered. I hadn't acted any certain away around Leah. I acted the same as I always did, even before I imprinted on Bella.

"Meaning why didn't you send her away immediately at the restaurant? Why did you flirt with her?" Send her away? What is wrong with Bella, I never flirted with Leah?

"First off, I never flirted with her. She's my friend. I've known her almost my entire life. I can't just write her off like she means nothing to me. We have a past, history. We didn't break up on bad terms. We broke up so that I could try and break her heart a little less."

"Because you knew you'd be forced to be with me later on." What has gotten into her? Where is all this coming from? Can she seriously think I feel forced into the relationship?

"Forced? What are you going on about now? I don't understand you sometimes, woman," I growled out.

"You didn't want me. Fate gave me to you with or without your permission." It's official, she's gone mad.

"Of course I want you, Bella. I love you!"

"Do you? Or is it just the imprint?" How can she doubt me like that? Yeah, fate pointed me in her direction, but the love is my own.

"I. Love. You. I, Samuel Uley, love you, Isabella Swan. No magic did that. We've talked about this before, Bella." I told her all about this when I explained what imprinting was, didn't I? Was I the only one there for that conversation?

"That was before I saw how perfect you and Leah really are together."

"We aren't perfect together. I've told you that too." I know I said that, because it's true. Leah and I certainly had our issues. Both of our tempers got in the way with one another on too many occasions.

"The whole tribe thinks so. And I do mean the whole tribe, with maybe the exceptions of Jared and Kim." That can't be true, maybe most of the tribe, but not all. And they shouldn't get a say in our relationship anyways. This is between her and me, alone.

"I don't fucking care what the tribe thinks, Bella. I know you're perfect for me." I didn't know how to say it, other than to just say it.

"Why, why am I perfect for you?" What kind of question is that? It feels like a trick question.

"Because you're you. You complete me."

"And?" And what? What does she want from me? A kidney, a lung, whatever she wants, I'll give it.

"And I love you."

"Not enough, Sam."

"Wha– what are you talking about? Not enough of and for what?" What kind of answer is she looking for? I love her, what else could she need from me?

"I need reasons. I know why I love you. You're strong, but kind. You take care of those around you without question. You're brave, selfless, confident, and intelligent. Every time you walk in the room my stomach gets butterflies because you're so damn beautiful. The simplest touch from you makes me feel on fire. I get lost in your dark eyes as if it feels like I'm seeing straight into your soul."

If I hadn't been so incredibly pissed and frustrated, I might have seen what she wanted more clearly, or maybe I still wouldn't have. I undoubtedly thought that my love should be the only thing she needed. It was the only thing I needed from her. There are dozens of reasons that I love her, but I didn't see how listing them out would do anything. This was a big mistake on my part.

"Shouldn't the fact that I love you be enough? I love you because we're meant to be together, because you make me whole." How could I not love my soul mate? How could I not want her forever? She filled every gap and whole I had, and made me a better man. Why didn't she see that like I did?

It felt like forever before she looked at me to answer, "Wrong answer."

With those two words, she left.

I stood in my living room shocked. What did she mean 'wrong answer'? How can there be a wrong answer? I thought it was an interpretive answer, one that could be answered in many ways. Clearly Bella didn't agree. What did I giving the "wrong answer" mean for us now? Is she mad and needed time to cool off and then we'd pick up where we left off? Or did it mean we were over? No, that couldn't be it. I'd die without her.

I sunk to the couch. It was just a fight. A bad one, but we'd get through it. And though we'd never really fought before, I had faith we would work our way through it, right? We would. We had to. We both just needed a little time to cool off and tomorrow we would talk and make up. I decided to go to bed and see her tomorrow.

I woke up Saturday morning feeling hopeful. The dim light coming through the windows told me it was too early to call Bella. So I got up to take a shower and get ready for the day. I did a few other things around the house that I'd been neglecting.

When I couldn't stand it anymore I went straight to the phone. Glancing at the clock, I saw it was only eight o'clock. For most homes it would be too early to call, but the Chief would either be at the station or out fishing at this hour and Bella was never one to sleep in. It rang and rang. The answering machine picked up after the fifth ring. I hung up without leaving message.

I didn't think she worked the morning shift this Saturday, but the late afternoon shift. She could have changed it since she first told me or as a result of the previous night. Feeling a bit like a stalker, I hopped in my truck and made the drive into Forks. I took a small detour to pass her house on the way to Newton's Olympic Outfitters. The driveway sat empty and I continued my drive. I arrived at Newton's at nearly nine o'clock. Nowhere in the parking lot did I see her red truck. I went inside anyway, to at least find out when she did in fact work.

Walking in the doors, I saw the Mike kid standing behind the counter. He looked up to see her had caused the bell on the door to ring and I saw him shrink back. I fought the urge to grin. I knew the kid had a thing for Bella, honestly who didn't in this stupid town, and I enjoyed seeing him fidget under my stare. I approached him and saw him take a deep breath.

"Sam, right?" I nodded. "Bella doesn't come in until three."

"All right and when does she get off?"

"Um, depends on how busy we turn out to be, but probably between eight and nine."

"Thanks, Mitch," I said, enjoying him flinch at the wrong name. I turned and headed for the door. It was much easier getting the information I needed than I had thought going in.

"It's Mike," he mumbled; it would have been too low for any human to have heard. My wolf hearing allowed me to hear it and I no longer fought the wolf grin on my face. A small chuckled even escaped from me. It was good to have fun once in awhile and reminding the kid who he dealt with if he didn't keep his distance from Bella at the same time worked wonders on my mood.

Once I reached my truck, my mood fell. It was then that I realized I had no clue where my imprint was. She wasn't at home or at work. She hung out with the Angela girl once in awhile, so she could have been with her. Though I didn't think they would have much to do so early on a Saturday.

That left me with the idea that she could be with Jacob. God, I hated that thought. If Mike Newton had a thing for Bella, Jacob Black was in puppy love with her. I couldn't decide if I wanted the boy to phase or not. On one side Bella would have a friend and I could order him to back off as long as I still held Alpha position. On the other, I would be forced to share thoughts with the little punk and eventually, when he was ready, I would answer to him as my Alpha.

I started my truck back up and headed back to La Push. They would either be at the Black's home or on First Beach. I'd stop by the house before heading to the beach. I needed to talk to her today. It couldn't wait. The longer our unresolved fight lasted, the tighter the ache in my chest got.

Pulling onto the small dirt drive around nine-thirty, I could see her red beast sitting idle. It still didn't mean that she was there; they could have walked from the house to the beach. I shut my truck off and strolled toward the front porch. I touched the hood of her car before walking up the steps. It was cold to the touch. She'd been there for awhile.

Before I could knock, the door opened. There sat Billy in his wheel chair. He motioned for me to move back and he rolled through the doorway, pulling the door shut behind him.

"I don't what you did, but you screwed up."

"Thanks, Billy, I didn't already realize that. The question is what did I exactly do that was such a screw up?"

"I don't know, Sam, but need to find out and fast."

"Well, then can you let me inside?"

He lowered head, sighed loudly and shoot his head. "I can't do that. Sorry."

"What do you mean you can't do that?"

"She doesn't want to see you, Sam."

"She said that?"

"Yep, when we heard the truck door, Jake got up to see who it was. She asked to not see you. As a guest of my house, I have to abide by her wishes."

"Come on, Billy. Seriously, you're not going to let me see my imprint."

"I don't think you should talk to her until you know exactly what you did wrong."

"And how I am supposed to figure it out without talking to her?"

"I don't know."

I sighed frustrated. "You aren't being a lot of help right now, Billy."

"I'm sorry, Sam. But you got to do this yourself. I do know that that girl in there loves you and you still have a shot with her. Just don't take to long to figure out your wrong and then do one hell of a job to correct it."

"Are you sure you can't just pretend to let me pass you? I mean, we all know I could get around you if I wanted to, which I do."

"Now, Sam, what kind of girl would want a man that would shove an old man in a wheelchair out of the way?" he chuckled. He had a good point, but he didn't need to laugh in my face. There was nothing funny about my current situation.

"Fine, point taken. I'll find another way to get to her."

The old man just smirked at me before opening the door and rolling back inside where my imprint hid from me. After glaring at the door, I stomped back to the truck. Instead of sitting in my house to pout, I decided to go finish up some work on the house I'd been working on during the week. Keeping my hands busy would keep my mind from wondering to Bella so much.

I got home around six in the evening. I still had two hours to waste before I could start calling the Swan residence. I'd done everything around the house I could to waste time that morning, so I zoned out in front of the television for two hours.

The minute the clock stuck eight, I had the phone in my hand ready to dial. I punched in her numbers and heard it ring. Two rings in, it stopped.

"Hello," Charlie's distracted voice called. I figured he was sitting in front of the television watching some ball game.

"Hey, Chief, is Bella home yet from work?"

"Sam. No she's not."

"All right, I'll just call back then in a bit."

"I can just tell her when she comes in."

I wasn't so sure that would result in her calling me back, but I didn't want to let Charlie in on our fight. "Um, okay. Thanks, Chief."

"Sure, no problem. See you later, Sam."

So I sat, with the television on mute, by the telephone for the next hour. The silence was deafening, knowing that she would have been home by now. I spent five minutes debating with myself whether I should call again or not. Really the debate was pointless; I knew full well that I would call before I ever tried to convince myself not to. I had to call.

Again I heard the ring through the receiver. After three rings this time, I heard Charlie's voice again.

"Hello," he drew out, like he already knew it was me.

"Hello again, Chief. She there yet?"

"Um…" he paused.

I heard Bella's soft voice in the background, "Not here."

"She is not here yet, Sam."

"I know she is, Chief. Please, just let me have five minutes. I need to talk to her."

"I don't think that's a good idea tonight. Why don't you give her a few days? Then the two of you can talk about whatever it is that's bothering her."

"Dad," I heard her whine.

"Okay, or not. Bella, why don't you head up stairs? I'll take care of this." I heard her footsteps fade. Charlie cleared his throat before continuing with me, "Sam, I think you should just wait for her to contact you."

"I can't do that, Chief. I need to talk to her. I…I need her."

"I like you, Sam. You know that. But you have to remember that Bella is still in high school. I don't know if the two of you are getting too serious, too quick. Bella already did that with Cullen, and she doesn't need to get in over her head again."

"Chief, I know as a father you may not want to hear this, but I'm in this relationship for good. I don't intend to go anywhere. We had a fight, I'm not entirely sure what about, but I need to talk to her, so I can fix it, whatever 'it' is."

"Sam, she seemed pretty torn up last night and this morning. She left early to hang out with Jacob. She came home in a pretty bad mood. I think she just needs a little time to herself before you approach her. And if I can suggest one piece of advice, find out what you did wrong before you talk to her. If she's anything like her mother, it will only piss her off more if you apologize for some unknown reason."

"Thanks for the advice. I'll keep it in mind."

"All right, son. Take care, but I'm serious, about not calling. You don't call her, she'll call you. I don't want you trying to contact her and holding up my phone line. Being chief of police, I need this line generally free."

"I understand, Chief. Would you object if I came over to speak with her?"

"Nah, I guess I don't see harm in that, but try to know what you did before you do."

"Thanks again, I'll hopefully see you soon."

"Good luck, Sam."

"Night." I stared at the phone as the dial tone sounded. Another bust. Today obviously was not my day, aside from my little fun with the Newton boy.

She had now refused to talk to me twice. What did that mean? Would she ever decide to talk to me? Perhaps this meant we really were breaking up. How would I survive that? That was easy, I couldn't. And even if I could, I wouldn't want to. I didn't want a life without my Bella. Billy and Charlie both seemed to think she would speak to me in her own time, but what if that time never came? I might actually have to consider a life without her. I shuddered at the thought. Though I didn't want a life without her, I couldn't abandon the pack. Jared and Paul were nowhere near ready to be on their own.

I considered filling my night like I did the other time I thought I lost Bella. Beer sounded great after that phone call. Instead I slumped down on the couch and closed my eyes. I wished that the last twenty-four hours were all a nightmare that I would wake up from in the morning.

I awoke to a bang on the door. I sat halfway up on the couch. I stretched out, hearing a few loud pops. Couches were not a place for werewolves to sleep. Not nearly enough room.

"Come in," I yelled after the banging noise went on for a second time.

Jared and Kim strolled into my living room. I narrowed my eyes at them, not sure why they were standing in my house.

"Why are you here?" I asked shortly. I wasn't in a mood to play babysitter. I wanted to sit alone in my house and figure out what I planned to do to get Bella to talk to me.

"Um, weren't we supposed to be having a pack meeting today?" Jared asked wearily from the door way.

"What?" I asked stupidly. I tried to think of what day it was. Friday was the fight, Saturday the day she ignored me. That makes today Sunday, I suppose.

"Pack meeting, Sunday at ten o'clock. We're supposed to work out the patrol schedule for the next two weeks." My calculations were correct. God, I didn't feel like dealing with them today?

"Oh yeah, right." I glanced around the room; Paul looked to be late as usual. Not like I had much room to talk that day. I, the Alpha, had forgotten about the meeting.

"Sam, are you all right?" Kim asked from Jared's side.

I looked at her dejectedly. "I think Bella broke up with me, or at least she refuses to talk to me."

"Oh fuck," Jared breathed out.

"Sam, what happened?" Kim asked softly.

"We fought."

"About what exactly?"

"Leah, nicknames, imprinting, love," I mumbled out the key points.

"That doesn't sound too good," Jared remarked.

Kim glared at him and came to sit next to me on the couch. "Tell me what happened exactly?"

And so I relayed the whole fight back to them. As I explained further into the fight, Kim's face filled with understanding and Jared's scrunch up face displayed the same confusion I had.

"So she asked why I loved her."

"And your answer was…"

"I said that I love her because she completes me."

"That was the wrong answer," Kim snorted.

"That's exactly what she said," I complained. "I don't see the big deal. I'm sorry that I didn't hand out a list of the reasons, they all boil down to the same thing, she gets me and she completes me."

"You're an idiot," Kim said, hitting me upside the head with the telephone book that had been on the coffee table.

"Hey, watch it," I growled lightly. Jared moved closer to Kim. "Oh please, I'm not going to hurt her."

"I don't growl at your imprint, I'd appreciate that you didn't at mine as well."

"Jared, babe, shut up. There are more important things at hand," Kim chastised.

"So I'm an idiot. Care to explain why? I gave her the truthful answer."

Kim drew in a deep breath before addressing me. "I understand that you have a handicap because you're of the male species. And I know that's not your fault. It's just how the cards were dealt. But you have got to overcome that handicap or you'll lose Bella."

"I'm not handicapped," I all but whined.

"Yes, you are. You can't show emotion. I get that you're the big, bad Alpha that shouldn't show any weakness. That's fine when you patrol, hang out with the guys, or lead the tribe. It's not fine when you're with Bella, your imprint, you're love."

"So what I am supposed to do?" Calling me an idiot wasn't helping me get Bella back.

"Why do you love Bella?"

"She comp–" I stopped mid word after seeing Kim's death glare.

"Reasons, Sam, actually reasons."

"Like a list?"

"Yes, like a list."

"Um…she's sweet, undeniably caring, selfless beyond belief, lights up my world, and beautiful past any words imaginable. She's so smart. And every time I see her blush, I can't help but smile."

"Have you bothered to ever tell her any of this?"

I racked my brain, trying to think. I had to have told her at some point, right? After a minute I thought of it. "Well, yeah, once." I wasn't as bad as she made me seem. I wasn't such as screw up after all. I felt relieved. "See, I'm not an idiot after all. I'm a good boyfriend. I told her, I just had trouble remembering during the fight."

Kim didn't look impressed. "When did you do this miraculous deed?"

"At my mom's house, during the disaster dinner that Leah crashed."

"You told her under stress and line of fire from your mom and Leah. That doesn't count."

"How does that not count? I told her, it should count."

"In girl world, it doesn't. You would be wise to accept this and move on."

"I don't think I like girl world."

"Well, if you want to win Bella back, you have to play by girl world rules."

"That sucks."

"Get over it."

"Fine, what does girl world rules dictate that I do to win back my imprint when she won't even talk or acknowledge me?"

"You need to woo her."

"Woo?"

"Sweep her off her feet."

"You're using girl terms, I need guy terms."

"You need to get her attention and convince her to give your sorry ass another chance," Kim said, clearly annoyed. "And you can't just do it any way. You need to create some sort of plan that is made special for her. No generic tricks are going to work. If you love her, then you'll know the ends and outs of her that will win her over better than anyone else."

"Something special that pertains to only her."

"What does she love?"

"Literature and poetry," I answered dumbly.

"Okay, do you know any of her favorite authors?"

"The Pride and Proud one."

"You mean Pride and Prejudice?"

"Yeah, that one."

"Jane Austen. Okay, what about poetry?"

I tried to reach back in my brain. She was reading for her English class on day while we sat in the backyard. She was wearing a blue top that made my eyes linger on her chest. I could tell she was getting a bit aggravated with my stare, but I stood my ground that it was her fault for wearing the top. What was the name of the poet? She'd mention she was her favorite. Or was it a he? "Browning?"

"Elizabeth or Robert?"

"The girl, I think."

"Okay, this gives us a starting point. Here's what I think you should do…" And that was where my plan to win my imprint's heart back began.

Author's Note: What will Sam and Kim plan? Will Sam win Bella over?