authors note - hi, its me...the person that is suppose to be working on her other story but cant get this Bella and Paul to shut up.

no beta, so all mistakes (and im sure there are plenty) are my own. feel free to point them out so i can fix them!

I woke groggy, sweat sliding down my body. I wiggled around, shoving the blankets off me and trying desperately to move the hot arm wrapped around my waist without waking Paul. Giving up I shoved at his shoulder. "I'm going to have a heat stroke if you don't move."

He chuckled, scooting over to give me some space. I sat up, wiping at the sweat on my forehead. "Its like sleeping with a furnace." I complained. My mind automatically compared to when I use to wake up next to Edward.

He would make sure I stayed under the blankets with him on top of them, but the chill of his body still left me waking cold. It was different actually sleeping with another person rather than someone just laying in bed on top of the covers while I slept. I fell asleep quickly last night after Paul had yanked me to him, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me to rest against his chest. It felt incredibly…safe and secure. That moment I knew without a doubt nothing and no one could possible hurt me. He was Paul of course but my wolf inside of him would never allow me to be harmed.

Paul sat up, leaning across me to open the window by the bed. I breath a sigh of relief at the cool breeze. "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking or I would have opened it last night."

I shook my head. "It's okay. Despite the heat that's the best night of sleep I've gotten in…forever." I yawn, stretching the sleep from my body. "What time is it? I've got get to school." I grabbed my phone and groaned, realizing I was going to be late if I didn't get moving. "I don't wanna go."

Paul wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me back to him. "Then don't. We'll stay in bed all day instead."

Before I could think too much about it I allowed my body to do what it wanted, running my hands through his hair. How come he wasn't sweaty? "You'd tick off the Chief. He's already mad about last night."

Dad wasn't pleased when I called to tell him I was staying at Paul's. I'm pretty sure he wanted to say no, but I think he realizes that I'm 18 and can make my own choices. Let's not make this a regular thing is what he said by the end of the conversation and I agreed. I didn't want to wrap myself in Paul and forget the world as I did with Edward.

He groaned, moving around to lay his head in my lap. "I'm like 80% sure I'm bullet proof unless he shoots me in the head."

I laughed, shoving his head off me to get up. " 20% chance of death? I don't think I'm okay with that risk."

"Ooh she does like me."

I rolled my eyes at him, throwing my balled up socks from last night at him. Instantly I realized my mistake when he smirked. "I need those back."

He nodded slowly, tossing the ball in the air before catching it. "Absolutely, come get em."

I eyed him. He is faster and stronger than me so I knew I had no chance to get them unless…

I smiled at him, getting back on the bed. He smiled back, thinking he won I'm sure. I tried not to let myself think about what I was doing or I knew I would stop.

Leaning up I kissed him, keeping my eyes on the socks in his hand. He immediately dropped them, grabbing my waist to pull me closer. Reaching down blindly I grabbed my socks and jumped off the bed as quickly as I could, smiling happily at him.

He stare at me for a moment, mouth open in shock before clicking his tongue and chuckling. "Good move, Swan."

I blushed then, surprised I was able to keep at bay for so long. "Come on wolf boy, I don't wanna be late."

"Used seduction to get what she wanted and now she's bossing me around, that didn't take long."

I giggled listening to him grumble as I went to the couch to put my socks and shoes on.

"Sure you want to do the walk of shame in my clothes?" Paul asked as he came out dressed in shorts, no shirt. "I don't mind but Charlie might."

I looked down at myself. Paul had dug out some old basketball shorts and a t-shirt for me to wear last night. I shrugged. "No point in changing when I'm going to shower anyway."

By time we finally got to my house I knew I was going to be late. I sighed seeing dad's cruiser, I had hoped he'd be gone so I could avoid a butt chewing.

"Want me to go in with you?"

I shook my head at Paul, opening my door. "No, I'm hoping he'll save the lecture since I'm running late.

Paul met me at the front of the truck, grabbing my hands to pull me to him. "See you after school?"

I nodded and he kissed me quickly, not giving me enough time to react before running toward the back yard.

Dad wasn't as mad as I expected, though he was quick to lay down rules. No sleepovers on school nights, no more coming in wearing that boys clothes, only 2 sleepovers allowed a month and absolutely no getting pregnant. And of course no sex in the house. I wanted to let him know I wasn't having sex, but figured it was better to just leave him assuming.

"Somebody sure is in a good mood today "

I rolled my eyes at Sam, keeping my nose to the ground as I ran laps around Bella's school.

"Yeah can't imagine why someone tied down by an imprint would be so happy." Jared laughed.

"Are you two done yet?" I asked.

"Not yet. You remember all that crap you use to give me about Kim? It's so on dude. How can you possible just roll over and give up a pair of socks for a kiss. A measly little kiss. She wasn't even naked!"

Despite my irritation at him, I laughed at his mocking. He can have his fun, this is one time I'm glad to be wrong. I don't like how I found Bella by some supernatural energy pulling us together through the imprint but I'll happily take her. I'll happily give myself to her if she'll have me. Physical stuff aside I wasn't sure what she wanted. She had said friends with some benefits and I worried that's all she'd end up wanting. I'm trying to show her the deeper side of me, the art, cooking for her…but I'm not sure how to be in a relationship. She had told the wolf despite the lack of physical intimacy in her relationship with the leech, he was romantic . I'm pretty sure I'm the least romantic guy I know. Physical stuff? No problem. Romance I'll need to work on.

"You all are so annoying." Jacob whined. He was a little upset about Bella still, but mostly irritated at not having a mate himself. I liked Jacob…well I didn't dislike him, but his immaturity was annoying. It wasn't that he thought he was in love with Bella or that he even still wanted a chance with her, it was his childhood dream girl got stolen before he got a chance and he needed to lick his wounds. It annoyed me to no end, but I knew it was harmless.

"Hey! Got a trail." Sam yelled, interrupting our banter. "Smells like the red head. She's heading out of town I think." He let out a long howl, calling Embry

"Heading out or looping around to invade us?" I asked growling.

"I'm not sure. Jacob switch with Paul."

"What? No." I sat on my hunches, no plans to leave Bella.

"Paul I need you with me. Jared stay in La Push and run the boarder with Em. Jacob stay with Bella at all times." Sam sighed. "I know you don't want to leave her, but you've have to trust your brother to keep her safe, just as I'm trusting that Embry will keep Emily safe. You've been with me the longest, you're my beta for a reason, I need you with me in case I run into her."

I couldn't argue with him. Keeping Bella safe is important but so is our pack…"Jake..don't leave her alone."

"I got it, man. No worries."

Glancing at the school, I took off towards Sam. He was running slow, nose to the ground not to lose the scent while he waited for me to catch up. I tried to keep tabs on my emotions, knowing if I got too worried it'll effect Bella, but if this was a trick, if she was looping around Bella would be left with no one but Jacob to protect her. Jake was a natural at this, born to be alpha, but if the leech went after Bella I needed to be there to protect her.

"If it makes you feel better I'm getting more convinced she left town." Sam told me as I ran up to flank him. I started following the trail with him, realizing he was right.

"How far are you going to follow it?" Jacob asked.

"Until we can be sure she didn't loop around. We can't risk Bella." Sam told him.

"Maybe once she realized the Cullen's were gone she took off, realized she wouldn't get revenge here and went after them." Jared suggested.

"Sure as hell hope so."

"What are you doing here?" I asked Jacob as I got out of my truck. He was leaning against the railing on my porch.

"Paul and Sam are busy, I'm on Bella babysitting duty."

"Busy with what?" I asked, unlocking the door. Jake followed me, waiting as I hung my coat and bag and then sitting at the table when I went to the kitchen to get started on dinner. "Busy with what, Jacob?" I asked again.

He shrugged. "Pack stuff. Whatcha cooking?"

I turned from chopping carrots to glare at him. "What kind of pack stuff? Did he tell you not to tell me?"

"No, of course not. I just didn't want you to worry. Sam picked up on the red heads scent. They are following it, she's heading out of town. Sam just wants to be sure she isn't trying to loop around."

My heart clenched. My wolf was out there chasing a vampire trail. While I'm sure he is perfectly capable I can't picture the sweet wolf that whined for me to pet his head killing a vampire. I nodded at Jake, turning back to the carrots. I lost myself in the motion for a while. "Jake? Anything we talk about…Paul will know right?"

I heard him tapping his fingers on the table. "I'm decent at not thinking about certain things when we are phased together, but yeah there's always a chance he'll pick things up in my thoughts."

I nodded, not saying anything else. Maybe I should talk to one of the other imprints. I just worried they'll tell their wolves what we talk about. Jacob leaned against the counter beside me. "You can talk to me Bella."

I shook my head, tossing the carrots in a pot to sauté. "What if I say something that hurts him or I don't want him to know?"

"Do you not want the imprint?"

I glanced at him. He was frowning. "My wolf…he is important to me in ways I don't think I can explain. Paul is nice and physically things are…sorry." I blushed, not thinking about what I was saying.

Jake shook his head. "Its okay. But?"

"But I'm not sure I want to be in a relationship." I finished.

"Because of the leech?" He asked. I shook my head at him. "Let me rephrase that…because of the leech you're worried about getting hurt."

I glanced at him, realizing the truth to his words. Obviously Edward was wrong when he said we were mates, what if Paul is wrong too? Am I just afraid of being hurt?

He laughed. "Bella…Paul couldn't hurt you even if he wanted to, your wolf wouldn't let him. Sam and Jared's wolves are committed to the imprint but with Paul it's…different. Maybe because you've spent so much time with the wolf. He is more attached.. No that's not the right word. Maybe because you accepted him more than the other imprints, they don't really interact with the wolf. I don't know he just reacts differently to you."

I hummed in response, not sure what to say. Realizing I hadn't done anything but dice carrots I let myself get lost in prepping the rest of the vegetables and chicken for a simple soup. I wasn't sure what to think about what Jake said. It made me feel slightly more at ease, but it also brought up more questions.

"Why don't the other imprints spend time with the wolf?" I asked Jacob, setting the stove to low to simmer the soup until dad got home. I leaned against the counter, watching Jacob stand at the back door, staring out at the trees. He looked anxious.

"You saw Emily….She was standing too close to Sam one day while they were arguing and his claws caught her. I think it's mostly Sam's fear that stops him from being around her phased. I don't know about Jared and Kim. I don't think most imprints feel a need to hang out with the wolves." He sighed, going to sit at the table. I followed, sitting across him. "I have a theory."

I waved my hand. "I'm all ears."

He chuckled at me, tapping his fingers again. "I think the wolf knew you needed him more than you needed the man."

I raised a brow at him. "Why would I need my wolf more?"

"Paul is…" He paused, struggling with his words. "Paul is very physical, he comes on strong. You had just gotten left in the middle of the woods by a leech that said you were meant for each other, but left you anyway. I think the wolf knew you needed someone to listen, comfort you and be there for you without needing or wanting anything in return. Paul can be there for you and he will be, but he wants a relationship…the wolf just wants you happy and safe." I stared at him, slightly shocked. He shrugged. "Its just a theory...I don't know. I wasn't there when he first imprinted. I'm just going off his thoughts."

"No. It makes sense I think." I whispered. "Do you think…dreams mean anything?"

He shrugged. "Maybe they can try to tell us what our subconscious already knows. A few days before I first phased I was dreaming about wolves a lot. Maybe my subconscious was trying to warn me about what was going to happen. I think sometimes dreams can help us if we pay attention, tell us stuff we already know just haven't realized yet sort of thing."

What would my subconscious be trying to tell me? I thought back to my dreams, running through everything I could remember. They always started with me looking for Edward …no that's not right. The first couple dreams I was looking for him, but then I was looking for something else. The deep ache in my chest leading me to it…him. I was looking for my wolf and Edward just always happened to be there. The last dream I wasn't even looking for Edward. When I found my wolf I had told Edward he's mine. He is mine.

My eyes flashed to Jacobs. "He's mine." I blurted out.

Jacob laughed. "Yeah, Bella he is."

I couldn't even look at him when he walked into the backdoor. He told us it seems Victoria really did leave town, but not to worry because they would still keep an eye on me. I nodded, making myself busy with the small mess I made from making dinner. I offered Jacob dinner but he said he had to get home

"Do you..um want some soup?" I asked Paul, looking at him from the corner of my eye. He was staring at me. I quickly looked away, wiping down the counters that weren't really dirty.

"Sure."

I made him a bowl, sitting it on the table in front of him. Before I could get away he grabbed my hand, pulling me to his side. "What's wrong?"

I glanced at him, regretting it when heat flooded my body making my face bright red I'm sure. This man and the wolf inside him are mine if I want them. No take backs, no leaving…they are both 100% mine and I wanted to be theirs. For some reason, realizing and accepting it made me incredibly nervous to be around him. "Nothing." I told him, trying to yank my hand free.

He glared at me. "Why are you lying? Did something happen? Did Jac-"

I cut him off, yanking harder at my hand. "Nothing happened. Jacob didn't do anything."

"You won't even look at me, Bella. We're were fine this morning, what happened?"

I stopped trying to free my hand, shoulders slumped. How do I explain this? I glanced at him again. He narrowed his eyes and stood. "Fine. Don't tell me, I'll go make Jake tell me."

I grabbed at his hand, trying to stop him from going out the backdoor. "Wait!" I pulled him, trying to make him sit back down. He let me. "Eat and I'll tell you."

Narrow eyes stared at me wile he grabbed the spoon and took a bite. "Um..well Jake and I were just talking about imprinting and I realized a few things. It's just made me..nervous I guess." I glanced at him, he was staring at me blankly.

I blew out a breath and let the words tumble out of my mouth. Telling him that Jake asked if I wasn't ready for a relationship because Edward hurt me and explaining how I was worried about the possibility of being hurt again. I had been told I'm someone's mate before and obviously that was a lie. Paul listened patiently, soup forgotten as he stared at me. I told him about Jakes theory about why my wolf was so attached to me, smiling at the look of surprise on his face.

"That makes sense. I thought it was me holding me back from seeing you as a human, but even once I accepted the imprint something was holding me back. Maybe it was the wolf the entire time, he knew you needed him."

I nodded and told him what Jacob said about dreams. "The dreams I've been having…they were about you and Edward fighting but I think it's what was happening before the fight that was trying to tell me something."

I glanced at him when he grabbed my hand. I had been biting my thumb nail, a habit I couldn't break when I got too nervous. "Um.. the dreams progressed. At first I was looking for Edward but then I was looking for whatever was pulling me. The last dream…I knew I wasn't looking for Edward, as soon as I saw him I knew he wasn't what I needed and then I found my wolf. Edward tried to tell me to get away, but I hung on to the wolf and told him that the wolf is mine."

I took a deep breath, pausing to glance at his face. He wasn't glaring at me anymore. He looked like…he was suppressing a smile. "So Jacob pointing out that you are afraid of a relationship because of Edward, his theory about the wolf's attachment, combined with your theory on your dreams means…what?"

I blew out a breath, making myself look at him. "It means I accept the imprint. That I don't just want to be friends with some benefits. That I realize you and my wolf are mine and I want to be -"

He cut me off, standing and pulling me to him to kiss me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, letting myself fully get lost in him for the first time.