She's a hot little number in her pick-up truck

Daddy's sweet money done jacked it up

She's a party all-nighter from South Carolina

Chapter 3

There wasn't much that would have made that birthday any better. After I left Bella to ponder our conversation, I made my way to Sam's cabin to see if he had figured any of this imprint shit out. He lived in a cabin much like my own, but his was a little more civilized I suppose. And in civilized, I mean it's not in the smack middle of the woods. Instead, it's just a few steps from the middle of First Beach, just a short walk into the edge of the woods. But as I approached the house, I could hear that no one was home, so instead I detoured to Black's house.

If Sam wasn't home, then there was a good chance he was still at Billy's, looking for more guidance and explanation to what the fuck happened to him. And I had more news to throw at them: my own imprint. I knew Billy had been voting for Jacob to imprint on Bella Swan, but the old man would just have to understand that she was mine now and his son would have to watch his paws in the future (literally and figuratively).

Approaching the Black house, which wasn't more than a two minute walk from Sam's, I heard the voices of Sam, Billy, Harry Clearwater, and Old Quil Ateara. I felt a little bad for Sam on occasion because of the awkward tension that was a constant between him and Harry ever since Sam's transformation and connected break up with Leah Clearwater, Harry's daughter. Harry understood that Sam was just trying to protect innocent people, and Leah had gotten over the heartbreak by now, but still. There was something about being in the presence of the man who was supposed to be your father-in-law at one point.

I knocked for a second before letting myself in. Walking into a friend's house in La Push without being invited was so normal. It didn't matter if you'd only been to that particular house once before: we were all neighbors and had to stick together against the prejudices of local towns, including Forks. The others were in the kitchen and I heard Sam call out a greeting to me. Of course he would realize it was me first. Werewolf hearing and smell definitely had their perks.

I could hear that they were still discussing the imprint situation. "I don't know exactly what the purpose of imprinting is, but I have a feeling it has to do with the next generation. We can't have the gene skip another generation so maybe this will ensure strong pups. Keep the blood 'clean'."

"That's not it," I interrupted their conversation, knowing Old Quil's theory was wrong simply because of my own imprint, "It can't be to keep the blood pure Quileute." They all stared at me for a second; probably wonder where the hell I got off speaking to the tribal elders like that.

Eventually Billy spoke up, "What do you mean, Paul? Did you learn something new?"

I shrugged before answering, "Yeah, I guess I did." I didn't mean to be purposefully evasive, but I was still figuring this out myself, "I imprinted on someone who is not a member of the tribe today, so it has to be something other than bloodlines." This time, though everyone was still staring at me, Sam had an accusing look on his face, probably because he thought I kept information from him. "I'm just coming from being with her. I met her maybe 20 minutes ago," just to wipe that look off Sam's face, "But when you barged into my house, Sam, I did know what was going on. Apparently I listen more closely to the legends than my Alpha." I smirked as Sam's uncomfortable expression before turning back to Billy as he cleared his throat,

"Would you please inform us of whom you imprinted on? It is most important we find the reasoning our ancestors had for imprinting."

"I imprinted on Bella Swan," I stated it firmly while looking Billy in the eye with what I knew was a defiant glance, "And I have a theory." Once again, they all looked expectantly at me with a small glimmer of surprise in Billy's eyes. "I believe the reason for imprinting is for the sake of the wolves. We spend our lives dedicated to protecting our families and tribe with few breaks or little pleasure for ourselves. We deal with the fear and expectancy of pain and trouble. Without someone to keep us steady, be there for comfort, be there to come home to, we would go crazy. I already know, from knowing Bella for all of 10 minutes that the purpose of me imprinting on her is for me to have someone that will help keep my temper in check.

"Bella is calm, collected, grounded. She has seen the world, literally, and she seems to know what she wants, or at least, she's not in a hurry to find out. I need someone like her to keep me together. That's why she's my imprint." With that, I abruptly turned around and walked out the door. Because it was my birthday I wasn't supposed to have patrol, but Sam was pretty occupied with the elders so I took off into the woods.

I decided to detour toward Bella's house at the beginning of my patrol. Not only did I want her to be safe, but I just wanted to be around her. As I approached the house, though, I could hear her yelling at someone on the phone, "I don't give a damn 'bout how much ya miss me! Ya dumped me on Charlie the second ya could be with Phil." Her drawl was one of defiance and disrespect, but I found it sexy and oddly comforting. I guess I was already becoming dependent on the little spitfire. "Ahhh shut the hell up, woman. Ya ain't no mother to me, ma'am." Bella spit out the "ma'am" in a mocking, rotten apple voice as she slammed down the phone with enough force to knock a horse sized wolf senseless.

I could see independence raging within her, as I watched from the edge of the woods, still in wolf form. My Bella was frowning with frustration and bone deep determination. That was when I decided to never piss that woman off. Even werewolf strength wouldn't stop her from dishing out punishment where needed. I sat and watched as she scrubbed dishes furiously before letting out a long sigh. Bella was staring out the window as she wiped the suds off her hands. Darkness was slowly descending, but she continued to gaze at nothing through the small window and I continued to watch her. My heart was slowly filled with an insistent aching. What was going on? I understood I would need Bella close, but even when I was close to her I felt a need to have her closer. Was I feeling what she was feeling? That would make more sense, I guess.

"Bella?" An older man, probably her father, shouted as he entered the house. Bella and I both jumped. How had I not noticed him pull up? Bella turned and I heard her walk to the front door and greet her father with a kiss on the cheek. It was so strange, feeling a different kind of rage fill me. A part of me just couldn't believe I was jealous of her father, but what could I do? Bella was different. Like I had decided days ago; Bella wasn't just another victory to pocket.

Sam's howl broke me out of my thoughts.

Paul, get over here. You and I need to talk about this imprint situation.-Sam

There's nothing for us to talk about. You imprinted, I imprinted, and both situations are pretty fucked up. I didn't want to think about anything, but Bella for a long, long time. She was back in the kitchen now, but no longer staring out the window. She had continued the dishes and was quietly humming a random tune. Suddenly, Bella slammed her hands on the counter. She spun around and walked out of my sight. Then, I heard the front door slam, seconds before Bella rounded the corner of the house. She was staring directly at my shadow, which was extended slightly past the edge of the trees.

Back off, Paul! Sam had been seeing what was going on through my thoughts and understood that Bella had to have seen me. I tried to back up as quietly as possible, but I couldn't turn around without making a ton of noise.

"I can see ya, buddy. Don't even try it. I wanna see you before you decide to run," Bella's voice was determined, but I could sense a slight amount of fear. I didn't want her to be afraid of me, so I stayed put. Maybe then she would come to accept my wolf half when I told her the truth.

Slowly, Bella approached. I started to edge out of the trees so she wouldn't have to come into the dark woods. I knew the exact moment when Bella saw me. Her heart started beating like our native drums and her breath was gasping like a newborn babe. I felt Sam leave my mind so we could be alone, figuratively. Technically all her father had to do was look out the kitchen window and see us, but I had a feeling Bella knew that wouldn't happen. Charlie Swan would definitely have words with his daughter if he saw her approaching an extremely large wolf.

"Woah. You're huge." The shock in Bella's voice amused me and my chest rumbled with a laugh. I thought she would have been terrified, especially since it sounded like a growl, but she seemed to understand I was laughing at her, "Oh shush, ya giant animal. You can't be a real wolf. I've seen wolves before and they are not as big as you." She seems deep in thought before taking a deep breath, "Well, then I guess you have to be Quileute. I remember those stories from when I was a kid. Billy used to tell Jacob and me about the men who turned into giant wolves…but who are you?" I was in complete shock. How the hell did she figure it out? And so quickly? Who was this woman?

Bella was slowly edging closer. Her hand was held out toward my snout and I received a whiff of her divine scent. It sounded so damn cheesey, but she smelt like home. And my mom. It was so calming I had to fight the urge to phase back. My chest rumbled again, but this time it was almost as if I were purring…and then I realized I was. Bella laughed, "Well, I guess I was right. You're too nice to be a real wolf." I gave a yip, before turning back into the woods. Bella tried to follow, but I growled quietly to have her stay put.

Once I was behind a tree, I phased and slipped on my shorts. I could hear Bella still standing at the tree edge. I took a deep breath to prepare myself for revealing myself before I started walking toward her. Once again, I heard when she saw me. But this time was a little different. She let out a nervous little laugh and sat down with a huff. I slowly walked toward her before I sat cross legged in front of her; both of us leaning against a tree trunk. She stared at me for a little while and I stared right back at her. We were both looking each other over again, but she had new things to look for.

After a few minutes Bella broke the silence, "So. You're a wolf. One of those things from the legends."

"Yeah," I said, "I'm sorry I just kinda dumped that on you. I probably should have gotten to know you human style first." She cracked a smile before laughing again. "What's so funny?" I asked, but I couldn't help but smile at her laugh. She was so full of life and happiness.

"I'm just kinda surprised," She continued to smile at me as she talked, "When I first saw you today, I was immediately interested. You were this tall, bad boy looking kid, well you don't look like a kid, and I immediately liked you. You're the first person I've connected so well with since I was a little girl. And even then it was only Jacob Black that I could talk to like that." I let a growl slip and Jake's name and Bella gave me the stink eye when she heard, "Jacob is my best friend. Deal with it." I must have looked like a kicked puppy 'cause I could see her struggling not to laugh.

I sighed and decided it was time to spill my guts. Bella seemed to sense a change in the atmosphere. She sat up and leaned toward me, "Tell me everything. I want to know why I'm allowed to know about you. This has to be something you keep secret."

"It usually is a secret. The only people besides you and I that know right now are the elders: Quil Sr., Harry Clearwater, and Billy Black and Sam, the alpha of our very small pack. We will be growing soon, unfortunately. Sam can sense the change coming." I took a deep breath before continuing, "It is our duty to guard the people of La Push from our enemies, the vampires. There are some 'good' vamps, those that don't drink human blood and their eyes are gold, instead of the usual red." I noticed Bella turn a deathly pale and start to sway. I grabbed her shoulders to keep her steady and she leaned into my touch for support. I gently pulled her body toward me and set her against the same tree as me. She leaned on my side and put her head on my shoulder. "You can continue," Bella whispered. I glanced at her face and noticed her eyes were closed. I trusted she would tell me eventually what was bothering her.

"All vampires are extremely strong and fast, hard and cold as ice. They live forever, don't change at all, and we (the shapeshifters) are the only things that can kill them. Understand?" I felt Bella nod slightly against my shoulder so I continued again, "Now, we normally keep this as secret as possible because the more that know, the greater the chance is that someone unwanted will hear and inform the world of our existence. But there is one exception to the elders and pack members.

"We have a legend that speaks of imprints. An imprint is a man or woman that is destined to be a pack member's soul-mate. We all have different theories toward the reason of imprints, but mine is that as wolves, it is our job to protect our tribe, friends and family and we are to stay and work in La Push for the rest of our lives. We will only age when we stop phasing. We wear ourselves thin in our job and I think the imprint's job is to keep us from killing ourselves in the work, to keep us sane, and help us feel loved. But the imprint also benefits because they will be loved and cherished forever. There is no such thing as a divorce between imprints. There will be no infidelity." Bella had been silent through my whole story, but I knew she was awake and listening. Her grip on my arm had tightened as I talked about the power of imprinting.

Slowly, she turned to look at me. Her eyes were impossible for me to read, but I understood, all the same. She understood.

"I'm your imprint," she whispered, before a small smile broke across her face.

My heart was beating way too fast to be normal. I couldn't control the shaking in my hands as Bella sat next to me, not speaking, with her head bowed. She had smiled. But then went silent as she realized the extent of her role in my life. She was everything and I think she was just coming to that realization. I was afraid to tell her about how important she was to me, personally. I knew I would have to tell her my entire story one day but I didn't want to put everything on her at once. Then, as she raised her face to look me in the eye, that resolve was quickly broken.

"Why me, then? If your imprint will help you so much, why me? That doesn't make sense."

I took a deep breath, "Why doesn't it make sense? Why doesn't it work for you?" I couldn't talk for real yet. I just felt like curling in a ball and crying my eyes not, but I was afraid to appear vulnerable, even to this sweet yet strong willed girl under my arm.

"What could I possibly help you with? I can barely control my own temper, let alone help you with yours. I would be helpless when you're stressed or tired or angry. What the hell am I supposed to do to make you happy again? That's too much responsibility! You are pretty much putting the goodwill of every one of your tribe members in my hands by declaring their safety your top priority and saying it is in my power to keep you focused!" Her voice continued to rise with frustration and confusion and I was once again very grateful to the TV that fully occupied the Chief. I didn't need him to see his daughter like this because it was my fault and he would know it.

Suddenly, I leaned down, and touched my lips to Bella's. Her words were cut off abruptly. She sat completely still for a second as if shocked that I was actually kissing her. But before I could feel ashamed or embarrassed by my actions her arms were around my neck and she was kissing me back.

The peace, warmth, happiness that I felt as her smooth lips moved against mine was amazing and exactly what my restless wolf needed. I was one with my wolf and had been ever since I accepted my role, but I had never felt so at peace and connected with anything as I was with Bella. Her fingers were climbing up my neck and settled into a firm grip on my hair. The slight pain mixed into immense pleasure as she nipped my bottom lip. I probed her bottom lip with my tongue and she welcomed the muscle greedily.

Our tongues tangled in the nasty, saliva filled experience of kissing but as I pulled away gently to allow us both some breath, all I felt was the need to continue. Bella's eyes were still closed as she leaned her forehead against mine. Her cheeks were a brilliant red and I was sure mine were identical. We were both breathing harshly but were calmed by the physical contact. I gently pulled her onto my lap so her back was to my chest. I was sure she could feel my arousal but I was no longer embarrassed and she didn't seem to mind at all. I leaned my forehead against the junction between Bella's neck and shoulder as her right hand was drawn back into my hair, leaving my head in place.

"That is how you make me happy," I began speaking softly so as not to surprise her, "I don't need steaks every night or a grand performance to keep me content. Holding you, kissing you, seeing you keeps me happy and calm, Bella. Nothing is more satisfying than see you happy and smiling. Your laughter is soothing. Even hearing you yell at Quil for being a pervert left me satisfied because you were living and content. There are no expectations of you except to be happy with me, your wolf and mate. Please, Bella. Please don't give up on me now." As I knew it would, talking made me emotional and I couldn't stop the tears from building in my eyes. I was determined, however, to not let them fall.

I felt Bella shift in my lap and for a split second I panicked, thinking she was going to walk away, but then she was facing me, straddling my lap. I lifted my head to look at her as she tugged on my head with her grip on my hair.

"Paul," she murmured, "I'm not going anywhere. I'm sorry for freaking out for a moment, but being barefoot and pregnant in La Push was never exactly on my plan. But right now, that's all I can think about." My mind wandered with hers. I could picture her, in my kitchen, barefoot and heavily round with child. I could see a future, older me behind her with my arms around her waist and my hands on her extended belly. That was all it took for the tears to fall. Coming out of my imagination, I saw that Bella also had tears running down her face, "It's going to be okay, baby. Nobody is going to hurt you again and I will never leave your side. You can count on me as much as I trust you: with your whole life."

Somehow, she knew he had been hurt with abandonment and her love would be the thing to save him.