WARNING: Thanks to certain potty-mouthed individuals of the Pack - in this case, our Mighty Alpha, Sam - contains pretty strong language.

XXXXXXXXX

Chapter XI

Sam's pov:

It's kinda weird how quick things can change in such a short space of time. How from one minute your life can turn from complete and utter crap to total euphoria. Rather like the flip of a coin or the throw of a die. And that fate can suddenly improve your life just by the simple act of the hand she deals you. And I know ... I can feel it in my bones that this time Lady Luck was smiling on me when she decided I was the one ... The one worthy of being Paul's imprint.

When I lost Emily, I genuinely believed my life was over. That there was no point carrying on. That there was nothing to live for. And then it happened. Something, or rather someone, proved me wrong. Showed me my life was far from freakin' over. That it was worth fighting for. That I did have a purpose and, more importantly, that I was wanted, needed and above all, loved ... And that someone was the one person I least expected it to be. Someone smart, mercurial, volatile, arrogant, reckless and brave. A person who had a godsawful, hair-trigger temper, tenuous self-control and issues with authority. Yet one who's brutally honest, unfailingly loyal with the biggest heart imaginable. And that person's identity ? My Beta and best friend. My Paul.

And yeah, after all the shit that's gone on in both our lives in such a short period of time, I do think of him now as "my Paul." I can't help it. It's become second nature to me. Call it instinct or whatever the fuck you want, I don't care. Paul's mine. My mate. My love. And, for such a dumb ass, I've finally come to realize he's the best thing that's ever fucking happened to me. And that's why I'd fight to the death and willingly lay down my life for Paul, if it meant keeping him safe and well. 'Cause thanks to him and fate, I've got a second chance ... Another chance at life ... and love. And I've no intention of fucking up and hurting the one person I'm destined to be with.

XXXXX

I'm not sure how the hell it happened, but ... I'm so fucking grateful it did.

I'm exactly where I want to be and, more importantly, with the only person who means everything to me. Truthfully ? I can hardly believe my luck. That Paul's finally in my bed. Finally in my arms, clinging to me as he silently sleeps. And it feels so good, y'know ? To have the one you're destined to be with ... the one you're crazy about, within reach. Lying next to you. Nestled at your side. To be able to care and be there for him. To simply enjoy and revel in the feel of his svelte, toned physique wrapped around mine and to savour his alluring, delicious scent.

Paul's changed physically. A lot. And I just can't get over it. But, man ... does he look good. So very, very freakin' good. He's leaner, sleeker, more athletically built and looks like a professional swimmer or diver with his taut sinews. And he moves with the silent grace, agility, speed and power of a predator. My eyes are always drawn to him now. I can't help it. Nor can I deny the overwhelming hunger and need as I watch him. Only this time, no matter how badly my wolf craves it, how desperately it needs to dominate and take him, I'm gonna play by Paul's rules. Whether my wolf likes it or not, I'm gonna abide Paul's terms and listen to what he wants, 'cause until I win back his trust and his heart, his needs and wants must come first ...

And the reason for this huge u-turn of mine ? This massive change of heart ? I've finally figured that for our imprint to work, Paul has to be happy. He has to be able to trust me again and know that he can depend on me ... always. And right now ? What I want more than anything ? It's to make damn sure that Paul gets everything he wants. That he gets to be happy. That my stubborn, infuriatingly feisty mate realizes and understands that he's loved, respected and always has my support. 'Cause when I think about it, in hindsight, Paul's always - despite being the most volatile, aggressive, bloody-minded, shit-stirring member of the Pack - been the most selfless, protective and kind-hearted one. Particularly when it comes to those he cares for. The ones he loves.

What's pissed me off is that it's taken me up to now to see this. To recognize just how unselfish my Beta can be. How much he's sacrificed for the sake of others and how strong he had to be to deny himself the rare prize our gods deemed him worthy of. The gift of happiness and joy. An imprint. But my mate's one of life's "givers." One who unfortunately, places others' needs and wants ahead of his own. Fuck ! When I think about it, he's always done just that and I can't for the life of me remember if he ever asked for anything for himself. He'll ask, has even been known to beg, for anyone else, but I'm damned if he ever thinks of himself. Of what he desires and what he needs ... And because of it, others tend to abuse his generosity and kindness. Well, as of now, I mean to see that it stops. Anyone who tries to take advantage of him again will have to come through me. 'Cause underneath Paul's bold, brash, arrogant exterior there lies a heart of gold. And whether he realizes it or not, he can be a push-over and a bit of a soft touch when it comes to a sob story and that's why I won't tolerate anyone taking him for granted again. And that includes me too ...

So, I guess you're wondering how the hell I've gotten in this situation. That I must've done something to coerce Paul into sharing my bed. That I must have Alpha commanded him to stay with me. Something I'd sworn on my life to Jared I'd never do to my precious mate. Well, nothing could be further from the truth ...

FLASHBACK

Maybe I'd been a bit naive, but I really should've known that Raine, once she'd found her nerve and inner fire, would've nixed the idea of going to the hospital to be checked out.

As soon as the words left Sue Clearwater's lips, Raine knocked the suggestion on the head, faster than Jake would've gotten behind the wheel of an Aston Martin DB9 ! She was more than happy to let Sue examine and treat her, but refused point blank to go to Forks hospital. In the end, both women reached a compromise. Of sorts. The formidable Mrs Clearwater backed down on condition that Raine stayed over at hers; partly, so that she could keep a close eye on her injuries and more importantly, that Raine wasn't left alone in an empty house. A house which her violent husband could well return to at any given time. It was all too clear to everyone, that Sue didn't trust Frank Lahote to stay away, even though she knew I'd vowed to make the bastard's life a living hell if he was dumb enough to come back.

Once she'd finished tending to Raine, Sue turned her attention to Paul. Astoundingly. his lithe frame was still nestled trustingly against me. Pale, with those mesmerizing, intelligent eyes of his firmly shut, his breathing now deep and even. I'm not sure whether it was the imprint which caused the slight improvement in him, but I could only hope that being close to me had somehow helped Paul. That I seemed to have a good effect on him. Aided by Leah, Sue worked quickly and efficiently. Her hands deft and skilful as they cleaned and dressed Paul's head wound, before checking his other injuries.

"Well, I guess that's all I can do for him for now," she stated matter-of-factly as she packed away the remaining dressings in her first aid bag. "So, whenever you're ready, Raine ... I'll take you and Paul back to mine."

I'd been so wrapped up in my thoughts and enthralled by the comatose shifter in my arms that I hadn't been paying much attention to what was being said. But as soon as I heard Leah's mom mention my mate's name, I immediately tensed. My wolf's possessive streak broke free. It couldn't bear the thought of being separated from Paul. Of someone, no matter how well-intentioned, taking him away from us. It gave a low, furious snarl and my arm imperceptibly tightened around his waist, as if to strengthen my claim on him.

"No ! He stays with me," I growled softly, succumbing to my wolf's determination and need to keep him with us at all cost. "If anyone's gonna be taking care of Paul, it's gonna be me. No one else ... Just me !"

"Oh, please ..." Leah scoffed, giving me a dirty look. "You could barely take care of yourself a couple of months ago. What the hell makes you think you can look after Paul, huh ? Or that we'd be dumb enough to let you- "

I returned the look with a baleful glare of my own. I loved Leah as if she were my own flesh 'n' blood, but she was sorely trying my patience if she believed she could come between me and mine. And Paul ? Well, he was definitely mine ... even though he was clearly unaware of it at this exact moment.

"I'm afraid, Sam, that I have to agree with Leah- " Sue began only for me to coolly interrupt her.

"With all due respect, Mrs C., I'm grateful for all you've done tonight ... for taking care of both Paul and Raine. But you and Leah need to back off and let me look after him."

"Mom, no ! Don't listen to him. Paul needs to be with you and Raine. Not him !" Leah spat, whilst still staring daggers at me. Her slender body trembled with barely contained fury. "He needs to be around people who have his best interests at heart."

I growled once more and was about to Alpha command her to butt out of my personal business, when a voice softly interrupted whatever damning accusation Leah was about to hurl at me.

"I know you mean well, Leah, sweetheart ... and I'm grateful for all you 'n' Sue have done for us both tonight. But Sam's right- "

"WHAT ?" A horrified Leah met Raine's calm gaze. "You're messing with me, right ? You don't mean that ?"

"I'm sorry, Leah, but my baby boy should be with his imprint ... They need each other. And I trust Sam not to hurt him. Hell ! Scratch that, I know Sam won't hurt him."

The she-wolf gave a disbelieving snort and clearly wasn't happy with Raine's decision to let me be the one to take care of her son. Seeing Leah wasn't about to drop it and that she was behaving like a rottweiler with a rather juicy bone, Raine hastily cut in once more.

"I mean it. Sam knows I'd kick his ass to hell 'n' back if he does anything to hurt my baby. Paul will be perfectly safe with him."

The elder Clearwater carded slim fingers through her dark hair and eyed my mate's mother with concern. "Are you sure about this, Raine ? I mean, there's room at mine for you both."

Raine smiled faintly and nodded slowly. "Oh, I'm sure. If I didn't believe Sam cared for my son, I wouldn't let him anywhere near him. But he does. He genuinely cares for Paul and I'm positive Paul won't come to any harm with him. Sam would never forgive himself if anything happened to Paul and that's why I'm happy for him to look after my boy." To my utter astonishment, Raine turned to face me, met and held my gaze, then suddenly winked at me. She'd more or less, in front of two very stubborn, highly protective witnesses, given me both her blessing and consent to care for my injured mate. Something I'd hardly dared dream of or, if I'm honest, expected.

Blown away by Raine's faith in me, I dipped my head in acknowledgement and met her soft, yet protective gaze warmly. I immediately sensed that when it came to Paul, that we were on the same wavelength. Hell ! You could almost say we'd come to a silent and mutual understanding and that our main priority was his welfare. And that we'd both do anything and everything in our power to keep him safe and happy. Once I realized that, I instinctively knew that so long as Raine and I saw eye to eye over Paul, that we would get along well and wouldn't have any issues or problems with each other.

"So, Samuel ..."

Groaning inwardly, I noted a slight, impish smile on my mate's tiny mother's lips and braced myself for whatever she was about to say. Ever since I was a child, I'd quickly come to the conclusion that whenever anyone referred to me as "Samuel" rather than "Sam" things never turned out well. And I was rarely disappointed by that. Keeping silent, I merely raised an enquiring eyebrow and waited for whatever bomb Raine was about to drop on me.

"So," she began once more, holding my gaze confidently. "Where will you both be staying ?"

I sighed in silent relief. Thank gods for that ! I couldn't help feeling relieved that Raine wasn't about to subject me to the "third degree" regarding her son as I'd originally feared. All she wanted was to know where I planned on taking him, although if she was anything as smart as Paul, she'd soon figure out that I'd no intention of staying here. That we'd be going back to mine. ASAP.

"I'm taking him home ..." I announced quietly in a tone that would brook no argument from anyone. I cast a look in a fuming Leah's direction. Challenging her to defy my wishes. "After what happened here tonight, I'm taking no chances. I'm not risking Paul's safety ... not when that bastard of a husband of yours is still running free. I just don't trust him to stay away, Raine and there's no way in hell I'm gonna put Paul at risk. Not when Frank's loaded and out for his blood. Paul's vulnerable and the only thing I'm concerned about right now is that his old man doesn't get a chance to finish off what he started. 'Cause if he comes anywhere near Paul, even looks at him the wrong way, never mind lays a hand on him again, I won't be responsible for my actions ... No one and I mean no one, gets to hurt my mate like that again ... and I swear to God, I'll kill anyone dumb or arrogant enough to try ..."

I broke eye contact and looked down at the oblivious shifter sleeping peacefully in my arms. Just the sight of the Pack's wariest member looking so relaxed and ease in my presence, calmed my inner wolf immensely. I felt my anger wane and knew that was all down to Paul. And the amazing thing was even though he was the one person capable of seriously winding me up, he was the only one with the ability to pacify and soothe me. Unaware of what I was doing, I gently ran my calloused fingertips across his cheek and to my delight, Paul unconsciously turned his head, pressing his cheek into the curve of my palm. The unexpected gesture instantly made me smile tenderly at him and caused my hard gaze to soften and become warm and affectionate.

Suddenly, I became aware of someone watching me intently. I looked up to find Raine studying me. Her gaze was intense and contemplative. It bored into me. As if searching into the very depths of my soul as it sought to find out whether my intentions towards her son were genuine. Then, surprizingly, she gave a brief nod of approval that indicated that she didn't find me lacking in any way.

"I knew there had to be a good reason why my son imprinted on you. Why the pair of you need to be together," she stated quietly, before adding with an impish grin. "You'll be good for each other ... if you manage to tame him, Sam. Though knowing him, he won't make it easy for you. Go ... Take him home with you. I know I'm his mom and I love and want what's best for Paul, but I can see how much you care for him. That you love him. All I ask is that you do this for me ... Do what I couldn't do ... look after Paul. Be there for him and guard him with your life, 'k ?"

Rendered speechless by her faith in me, that she trusted me to do the right thing by Paul, all I could do was nod and smile at her gratefully. Then, pointedly ignoring a frustrated, extremely anxious, albeit well-meaning she-wolf, I left. Only this time, for the first time in weeks, I wasn't going home alone. This time I'd be with the very person who'd unwittingly given me my life back. The one who gave me reason to live again.

XXXXX

Once we'd gotten home - crap ! I'm even thinking of my place as Paul's home now, which shows how far gone I am when it comes to him - I carried Paul into my bedroom. After I stripped him of his white wife beater and cutoffs and left him in his black boxers, which I thought were extremely flattering, I tucked him up in bed and reluctantly headed for the living room couch. For some inexplicable reason, I found myself pausing in the doorway to watch at him. And that's when it hit me. How good my mate looked lying asleep in my bed and how right it felt to have him there. Just seeing his lithe, sinewy, caramel hued form against the crisp, white bedlinen sent a sharp bolt of need coursing through my body. I wanted Paul. Badly. Yearned to lie there with him. Craved to feel that lean, perfect body lying in my arms once more. To feel those sleek, toned muscles cloaked by heated silk, flex and writhe against my skin. But I couldn't. I wouldn't do that to him. I wouldn't take advantage of him or destroy what little trust he had left in me.

Paul suddenly flipped over beneath the covers to lie on his side. The movement caused the sheet to slide down his body until it skimmed his hips, the material clinging lovingly to the taut curve of his perfect ass. Groaning huskily at the tempting sight laid out before me and finding that my denim cutoffs had suddenly become extremely tight and uncomfortable, I quickly backed away before my wolf began to demand that I claim our mate once again. Silently, I closed the door and headed back to the living room. Back to the lumpy, old couch where I planned to bed down for the night. A long, solitary night where I knew I wouldn't get a wink of sleep.

XXXXX

I must've dozed off eventually, into rather a restless sleep. Well, there was no way in hell I'd have slept comfortably considering where I was and knowing who lay in my bed only a few feet away with just an old, knotted, oak door separating us.

It was an anguished cry that finally woke me in the early hours. Startled by its proximity, I sat bolt upright and swung my long legs over the side of the couch, before resting my elbows on top of my bare thighs. For a brief moment, I struggled to get my bearings. Then as soon as I realized where I was, another bone-chilling cry come from behind the closed door. I dragged a hand slowly down my face and glanced at the clock on the mantlepiece. It was just gone two. Closing my eyes, I groaned, then steeled myself to ignore the distressed cries which were gradually worsening. All I wanted more than anything was to go to him, but I daren't ... not after I'd vowed to respect Paul's wishes and to give him space.

But as time went by, it got harder and harder to ignore those painfilled, fearful cries and my wolf was desperate to go to him. It became increasingly agitated and pined for its mate. Wanting more than anything to soothe him and allay his fears. After almost ten minutes, it all got too much and I realized I was fighting a losing battle. My wolf was insistent in its demands to go to Paul and if I'm honest, I found it impossible to stay away. I wanted to be with him. Fuck ! I needed to be with Paul. To reassure, comfort and love him. In my haste to get to him, I forgot about the native print blanket which covered my lower body and quickly got tangled up in the vast amount of cloth as well as stubbing my toe against one of the coffee table's legs. Once I'd gotten free, I scrambled hastily towards the door and opened it.

Paul thrashed agitatedly upon the mattress. The sheet that I'd previously covered him with now lay in a crumpled heap at the foot of the bed. The closer I got to him, the signs of his distress became more apparent. His torso was slick with perspiration and unusually for a shifter, his skin covered with gooseflesh. Paul's brow was deeply furrowed and his lean, handsome face was etched with pain. Every so often an agonized, whimper escaped his lips as he writhed in obvious discomfort. Yet he continued to sleep and was unable to escape from his nightmare. Worried, I bent over him and immediately scented tears. Fresh ones. Paul's tears. His right hand suddenly lashed out, as if to strike something and instinctively, I captured it, fearing he might hurt himself in some way.

As soon as his flesh came into contact with mine, I heard Paul's breath hitch. He froze for an instant, then whether he sensed my presence or not, his body stilled and gradually the tension ebbed away from it. My heart began to race wildly and I panicked. I'd succeeded in calming Paul down, only to find myself in a bind. I couldn't stay here. Not when I'd promised to back off and leave him be. To let him decide if he wanted to be with me or not. It was Paul's decision to make and I didn't want him to feel pressured into something he didn't want. Something he'd regret. And right now, he was vulnerable and oh so defenceless. Carefully, I began to prise his fingers off my hand, only to feel his long, slender digits fiercely tighten their grip upon me. I tried once more to free myself and his grasp became a deathgrip. Firm and unyielding. Then, I thought I heard something.

At first, I thought I was hearing things. That I'd imagined it. That my tired, confused brain was playing tricks on me. But then I heard it again and this time, no matter how hard I tried to deny it, I couldn't.

"S-Stay ... please ?" Paul's voice was raspy with sleep and choked with tears. "Don't go ... Don't leave me. I ... I need you ..."

By then, whether it was due to lack of sleep, the relentless struggle with my wolf's demands or the desperate need just to be with Paul that made me finally give in to temptation, I'll never know for sure. Maybe it was a combination of all three. But in the end, I caved in. I couldn't help it. Even though, Paul was half asleep, he'd still managed to hone in on my weakness ... my Achilles' heel. My need to please and to care for him. To earn his forgiveness and that I needed him as badly as he needed me. Finally admitting defeat, I slid onto the mattress beside my mate and cursed softly, before cradling him in my arms and murmuring words which were meant to comfort and soothe him.

I was a damn fool. A fucking idiot for giving in so easily. For not putting up a fight. But then again, I was Paul's damn freakin' fool and if he needed me ... if he wanted me to stay with him, well, who the hell was I to deny him ?

END OF FLASHBACK

So ... in a nutshell, that's how I ended up in bed with my feisty, unpredictable Beta sprawled on top of me. How the dream which has plagued me over the past couple of weeks finally became a reality ... yet not quite in the way I thought it would.

And the irony of the situation ? I ended up with my arms full of clinging Beta, nestling and writhing against me all night and never got a wink of sleep. And the reason for that ? Said Beta's a devil in disguise who, once he managed to play on my weakness and lured me into bed, did nothing but sleep soundly and contentedly as his lean, sinfully perfect body curled into my side. What isn't helping now, is the way Paul's wrapped his leg around mine or the feel of his morning wood unconsciously brushing against my thigh as he attempts to get comfortable. All those things just make me constantly aware of him. How much I want him ... and how badly I need him.

And it's like a vicious circle, y'know ? 'Cause the more aware I am, the more I want. The more I want, the more I need. The more I need ... well, you get the freakin' picture, right ? I crave him desperately. But I daren't act on it. I won't ... not until he's ready or unless he gives me the all clear to make a move. And I can't see that happening any time soon. No matter how much I want it to. What Paul doesn't know is that he owns me. Heart. Body. And soul. He has me by the balls and I doubt I'd have the strength to deny him anything. What I feel - how he makes me feel - is turning me into a fucking wuss and honestly ? I don't give a shit. I don't give a damn. What I do give a damn about though, is the way the slightest, most innocent touch of his can instantly make my body betray me. How Paul has the ability to make me uncomfortably hard within seconds, without even being aware of it ... as well as the knack he has of making my body clench and throb with need.

So, here I am. Flat on my back, desperately trying to ignore my wolf's need to dominate and mate with my Beta. Fighting the urge to strip away our clothes and give in to the intense need to claim Paul. And just when I think my problems can't get any worse ... they do. I can't help tensing as I feel my mate's hand skim over my abs, past my happy trail before his callused fingers slip beneath the waistband of my boxers.

Frozen and helpless, all I can do is slowly close my eyes and bite my lower lip in a vain attempt to stifle the needy moan that's threatening to escape. Even though I'm not religious, I pray to gods that I won't embarrass myself as the rest of Paul's hand descends into my briefs. The effect he has on my treacherous body is instantaneous. Despite my best intentions, little Sam springs to life and becomes impossibly hard.

And all the while, only one thought races around in my head: I'm so fucking screwed once Paul wakes up ...