BELLA
The next two days passed by slowly. It was the weekend, so Charlie was home all day. I couldn't sneak out. I couldn't leave the house. I felt bound. And the pain of missing LaPush and the pack felt like it was part of my punishment too. Not only was I grounded, but I couldn't see my friends. I couldn't see the pack. But it was my fault, so this was a punishment I'd have to endure.
Slowly. The time was ticking by so slowly.
Finally, Monday came around. School went by without a hitch. And by the time the last bell rang, drawing the school day to a close, I had decided that Charlie wouldn't be home until late, so I could quickly go to LaPush. LaPush. My safe haven. Where the pack was. Where Jacob was. Where Paul was.
I was driving as fast as my truck could take. I could hear the engine sputtering and I couldn't care less. I was a bundle of nerves, excitement, and worry. I let out a sigh. I was going to have so much to explain. No. Jacob has most definitely told them my side of the story by now. Jacob could tell the Alpha, Sam and the pack through their linked mind as wolves.
It just hit me then, that they'd all collectively heard everything I told Jake when I'd returned. They must have been so worried when they'd heard. Shocked I'd made it out alive. Worried I could've been harmed. Enraged I'd left at all. Disappointed that I did it all for their enemy. A leech. I pressed on the gas a touch harder.
But they also heard my apology to Jacob. My reason. My truth. I shook off my nerves. The pack knew why I felt obligated to save Edward. They knew what situation I was put in. I didn't leave for myself. I left to save someone who I had past feelings for. Sam would do anything for Leah despite their current relationship. I wasn't going to be met with rage, or hatred, just understanding and worry. Relief washed over me. I could do this.
As I pulled in front of Sam and Emily's, I saw them. The whole pack was waiting for me on the porch. They're highly developed sense of hearing must have sensed my truck from miles away. I chuckled, opened my truck door and sprinted to the porch where they were all waiting. I was immediately ambushed and showered with hugs and kisses on the top of my head from the whole pack, including Kim and Emily. Everyone greeted me with so much love.
"I missed you guys so much!" I screeched.
I was enveloped in so many hugs, so many kisses on my forehead and cheek, and there were so many pats on my back. I peered around. I couldn't see Jared or Paul. My face fell a little. Sam saw my fallen expression as I looked around and he told me that were on patrol, and would be switching out with Embry and himself in five minutes.
"Okay." I breathed out, a little more relaxed, glad to know they were safe.
We all headed inside where Emily had prepared Linner. We had created the word "Linner" weeks ago during spring break because Emily and I were cooking so much food between lunch and dinner. It had become a new expression all around. Everyone had gotten on board with the new phrase. It was hilarious to see the guys use it at first. Now it was almost a pack tradition.
I grabbed some food and put it on a plate for myself. I was picking at my food with a fork, my mind was totally elsewhere. I couldn't wait to see Paul. I set my plate on the counter I was leaning against.
"Hey guys I'm gonna wait on the porch for Paul and Jared," I said as I made my way across the room to the door.
I opened it and sat down on the porch. I pulled my knees up to my chest, a little cold, and began to fidget with my fingers. I was restless, waiting for Paul to come.
The door opened behind me, and I looked up to see Jacob coming out and sitting beside me with his plate and fork still in his large hands.
"How are you doing honey?" He lightly asked.
"Good, I missed everyone. It's great being back. I'm really thankful you told them everything that happened while I was away because I really didn't want to discuss it again. I just really miss Paul, y'know." I said.
"I know honey. He missed you too." Replied Jacob as I leaned against his body for warmth.
He continued eating in silence as I just absorbed his presence and basked in the feeling that I was home.
Home.
A couple of minutes later Paul and Jared walked through the treeline on our left, in their cutoffs. I was unable to control my reaction to seeing Paul for the first time in days. I squealed and jumped up from the porch, nearly tripping over Jacob's legs, and ran over to him. I bounded right into Paul's arms and he held my back as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"I missed you so much." I breathed into his neck.
"I missed you too, chica." He said back as he rubbed his hand up and down my back.
I couldn't believe how much I missed him. These past few days have been unbearably long and tiring without his presence. That's when it hit me. Did Paul imprint on me. Am I his imprint. No. I couldn't be so dumb and not realize. But in his arms, I just felt more complete than I've felt in days and I missed his smell, and his touch. Imprint.
"Paul-" I was about to confess my thoughts when Jared interrupted my sentence.
"What about me, Sawn? Missed me? Like at all, or does Paul get all the Swan hug time?" He chortled.
"No, Paul gets all my hug time," I said with a giggle.
I reluctantly let go of Paul and he helped me settle back on solid ground. I turned to Jared, and he gave me his classic bear hug. Although we kept it quicker than the hug I had shared with Paul. After a few pleasantries, Jared left to go inside and greeted Jacob on the way in. I turned back to Paul and told him
"We need to talk." I said, as I nervously fidgeted with my fingers.
"Yeah, we do." He replied.
"Let's go for a walk."
.
.
.
Paul and I walked away from Sam and Emily's, down towards the beach. Our thoughts were so in sync, I pondered as we walked. We both knew exactly where we wanted to go to talk. I almost giggled out loud.
A smile had been glued to my face since I'd stepped foot in LaPush. Once we reached the beach, I took off my raincoat and put it on the sand, and sat on it so my butt wouldn't get wet when we started our talk. Paul sat beside me. I pulled my knees to my chest, a little nervous. We were facing the ocean. My eyes skirted across the horizon as I decided what to say.
"What's on your mind, kid?" He asked.
"Well at first, like well, for these past couple of days, I've wanted to tell you everything that happened with me while I was gone. But I'm sure Jacob informed the whole pack, and you." I said, and he slowly nodded his head in agreement.
"But when I was gone I missed you so much it hurt. When I'm around you I feel complete, and when I'm away from you I feel more estranged from the world and like something is missing in my life." I said.
"I was wondering," I said quietly.
"Am I your imprint?" I said as I looked up at him and away from the ocean to see his reaction.
Paul was quiet for a minute.
"Yes." He whispered.
"If I'd known you'd be in pain while we were apart, I would've told you sooner. But I didn't know you were leaving and when I knew you were, I knew I couldn't change your mind." He said.
"Why didn't you tell me? Were you in pain while I was gone? Were you okay? I'll never leave again. I'm so sorry!" I blurted out in a rush.
I had so many questions, my mind was racing with thoughts.
"Slow down kid." He chuckled.
"It's all going to work out. I probably felt the same as you. I was worried though, a lot. But I understand why you felt you needed to go. How do you feel about me imprinting on you though?" He asked.
"I'm okay with it. I love you. You mean the world to me. But I have a lot of questions about-" I pulled at my hoodie strings, "our connection." I finished.
Paul smiled. He didn't smirk. His smile was huge as he looked down at me.
"Okay kid, I'll explain imprinting. I'll explain anything you want. Let's eat first though, ya?" He said as he pulled my hand up, and helped me to my feet.
"Let's not have you get too wet and sandy on your first day back here." He chortled.
"Back home." I corrected.
