A/N:

I'm back! Long time, no see :) This time, with one of my favorite wolves - Paul.

I'll keep this short:

1. I'll stray from the cannon.

2. Claire is an actual adult (because I find child imprinting gross). She's also not related to Emily or the Clearwaters.

3. Rachel's not an imprint.

4. Renesmee doesn't exist.

5. There's only one wolf pack.

I hope you enjoy! XOXO

Declaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

"OK. First question. Why should we hire you?"

Robin gripped the steering wheel of her bumped-up Ford Focus tighter as the sign reading "Welcome to Port Angeles" appeared on the right.

"Um, I don't know, because I need a job?" she said, rolling her eyes.

"You're not taking this seriously," Claire complained from the passenger seat, crossing her arms.

"Because it's not a serious question! You have to admit it's stupid!"

Claire threw her hands up. "That's the kind of stupid shit they ask during job interviews, Robin! I don't make the rules. Do you want my help or not?"

"I do," Robin sighed, deflating slightly.

"Then answer the question."

"Why are we doing this again? We could have just stayed in Seattle. As far as I know, people move from small towns to cities, not the other way around."

"We couldn't have just stayed in Seattle 'cause we can't afford it. Unless you want to keep living in that closet of an apartment? Also, I got a job in Port Angeles. A good job. And I want my best friend to keep being my roommate," Claire stated, nodding pointedly at Robin. "We talked about this, and I thought we agreed you want this too," she sighed. "We'll actually be able to rent an entire house here—two bathrooms and everything, girl."

Robin sighed, the memory of their tiny apartment flashing before her eyes. It was cramped, noisy, and the rent was astronomical.

"Plus, nature," Claire continued. "Hiking, going to the beach… not having police cars and fire trucks blast sirens under our windows at night? Plus, safety. Smaller communities—"

"Alright, alright, I get it," Robin conceded, taking a deep breath. "So, the question. Why should they hire me? What am I supposed to say? I'm not that experienced. I've only worked in one place so far, as a substitute. I don't know."

"Well, you have to say something," Claire shrugged. "Put a ribbon on it, make it sound good."

"Oh, God," Robin muttered. "Because I'm a dedicated paramedic? I… am used to working in high-stress environments. I'm adaptable. Reliable. Quick on my feet. I'm never late. I'm studying to become a GP nurse, and I'm serious about it. Patients like me. I mean, the conscious ones do. Usually."

"There you go," Claire nodded, satisfied. "See? That wasn't so hard. Just ditch the 'usually.'"

Robin shot her a look, but a small smile tugged at her lips. Claire always had a way of getting her to loosen up, even in the most frustrating situations. "Easy for you to say; you can find remote work whenever," she mumbled.

"Hey, don't blame me because you decided to be a fucking humanitarian and not go into graphic design," Claire shrugged. "Next question: Do you work well in a team?"

"Oh, for fuck's sake, Claire."

Their first stop was Port Angeles. Robin had an interview at the local hospital, and she walked in with a mixture of hope and trepidation, slowly approaching the info desk.

"Hi, I'm Robin Larsen. I'm here for the paramedic interview," she said to the receptionist.

The woman nodded towards a small waiting area. "Please take a seat, Ms. Larsen. Someone will be with you shortly."

Robin gave a tight smile, muttering her thanks before heading to the stiff-looking chairs. She sat, glancing around, trying to steady her nerves. Claire's voice echoed in her head: "Put a ribbon on it." She smirked slightly, straightening her posture.

A few minutes later, a middle-aged man with a clipboard and a brisk demeanor appeared at the door. "Robin Larsen?"

"That's me," Robin stood, smoothing down her shirt as she followed him into a small office.

He introduced himself as Mr. Bennett, the head of the Emergency Department. His handshake was firm, and his expression was unreadable as they both sat down.

"So, Ms. Larsen," he began, scanning her resume, "I see you've been working as a substitute paramedic in Seattle. Can you tell me about your experience there?"

Robin launched into an explanation of her duties—responding to emergency calls, providing pre-hospital care, working under pressure. She detailed the skills she'd developed: quick decision-making, the ability to remain calm in chaotic situations, and her passion for helping people.

Mr. Bennett listened, occasionally nodding, but his expression remained impassive. When she finished, he set down the resume and clasped his hands together.

"Your dedication is clear, Ms. Larsen," he began slowly, "but I see you've only had about a year of experience. We typically look for candidates with at least three to five years under their belt, especially for a full-time paramedic position here. It's a very demanding role."

Robin's heart sank. "I understand that, but I'm eager to learn and grow. I'm confident I can handle the demands of the job if given the chance."

Mr. Bennett offered her a polite smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but we really need someone who can hit the ground running. Unfortunately, at this time, we'll have to pass. I encourage you to gain more experience and reapply in the future."

Robin forced a smile, nodding. "Thank you for your time."

As she walked out of the hospital, the rejection stung, but she pushed it aside. Claire was waiting outside, leaning against the car. One look at Robin's face, and she knew. "Next stop?"

"Forks," Robin nodded, her voice determined. "Let's go."

As they left Port Angeles behind, Robin couldn't help but replay the interview in her mind. The sting of rejection gnawed at her, but the thought of giving up weighed even heavier. She couldn't afford to quit now. Forks would be different, she steeled herself. It had to be.

The hospital in Forks was smaller, quieter. Robin walked in with a little less hope, but still determined. After checking in at the front desk, she was led to a small office where a kind-looking older nurse was waiting.

"Hi, Robin Larsen?" the nurse smiled warmly, extending her hand. "I'm Maggie. I'll be conducting your interview today."

Robin shook her hand, feeling slightly more at ease. The room felt less clinical, more personal.

"Tell me about your experience," Maggie prompted, sitting down and folding her hands on the desk.

Robin took a deep breath. "Well, I've been working as a substitute paramedic in Seattle for the past year. I've handled a variety of emergency situations and worked with diverse teams. I'm adaptable, reliable, and I'm currently studying to become a GP nurse. I'm really passionate about patient care."

Maggie listened intently, nodding along. "That's good experience, especially in a city like Seattle. You've got great potential, Robin, and I can see you're dedicated. But this is a very small hospital, and we don't have the resources to train someone who doesn't already have significant experience. We need someone who can step into the role with minimal guidance."

Robin's heart sank for the second time that day. "I understand," she said quietly.

Maggie gave her a sympathetic smile. "I know it's tough out there. But… I might have a suggestion."

Robin perked up slightly. "I'm listening."

"There's a clinic over in La Push," Maggie began. "It's a bit of a drive from here, but they're short-staffed. Sue Clearwater runs the place, and she's wonderful—very experienced and great with mentoring new staff. I can give her a call if you're interested."

Robin felt a flicker of hope. "I'd appreciate that, thank you."

Maggie nodded, standing up. "I'll give her a call right now. In the meantime, don't lose heart. You've got the right attitude; you just need the right opportunity."

Before Robin could respond, another nurse entered the room. "Sorry," she mumbled, "I thought you were done, Mags."

"Just about, Sheila; I'll be with you in a few minutes," Maggie said.

Sheila glanced at Robin, then at Maggie. "Did I hear it right, you're sending her to La Push?" she asked, skepticism dripping from her words.

Maggie's expression tightened, but she remained composed. "Yes; they could use the help, and Robin seems like a good fit."

Sheila raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. She nodded at Robin. "La Push is a reservation, you know. It's… different out there. They're not always welcoming to outsiders. Maybe you'd be better off waiting for something else to open up."

Robin frowned, sensing the undercurrent in the woman's tone. There was something dismissive, almost condescending, in the way she spoke about La Push.

Maggie, however, was quick to interject, her voice firm but still kind. "The La Push clinic is small but very functional. And Sue Clearwater is an excellent mentor. I think Robin will do just fine."

The other nurse shrugged. "It's your call," she muttered, before turning and leaving the room without another word.

Robin glanced at Maggie, who gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't mind her. La Push is a great community, and they really need another pair of hands at the clinic. I'll give Sue a call. She's always on the lookout for good people, and I think you'd be a great fit."

Robin nodded. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

Maggie stood, offering her hand. "Good luck, Robin. I hope it works out for you."

Robin walked out of the Forks hospital, her thoughts swirling as she tried to process the conversation with Maggie. She spotted Claire leaning against the car, scrolling through her phone. The moment their eyes met, Claire straightened up, reading Robin's expression before she even spoke.

"Well?" Claire asked, her tone cautious but hopeful.

Robin let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly as she approached. "The nurse was nice, but… it's a no from here too."

"Shit," Claire muttered, pulling Robin into a quick, comforting hug. "What did she say?"

"She said they can't hire someone without more experience. Same as Port Angeles. But," Robin paused, a flicker of hope returning to her voice, "she did suggest I try the clinic in La Push. Apparently, they're short-staffed, and Maggie - the nurse - offered to call the head nurse there, Sue Clearwater."

"La Push?" Claire echoed, her brow furrowing slightly. "That's a bit out of the way, isn't it?"

Robin nodded, her eyes momentarily flicking away. "Yeah," she said, shaking her head. "But I need a job, and I can't be picky right now. Maggie seemed to think I'd have a better chance there."

Claire studied her, the usual spark in her eyes dimmed by a shadow of concern. She tapped her fingers nervously on the car's hood. "Want me to go with you? I can always meet the landlord later. Or hell, I can just tell him to wait. This sounds more important."

Robin's first instinct was to say yes, to have Claire by her side as she ventured into the unknown territory. But she hesitated, forcing herself to be practical. "No, you should go meet the landlord. We need to lock down the place, and I can handle this on my own. It's just an interview."

"Are you sure?" Claire asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she searched Robin's face. "I just want to make sure you're okay."

Robin forced a smile. "I'll be fine, C. Really. Besides, we can't afford to lose that house, and I don't want to make a bad first impression on the landlord by canceling last minute. You handle that, and I'll take care of this."

Claire nodded slowly, but Robin could see the flicker of doubt in her eyes. "Alright, but if anything feels off, you text me, okay? I'll run there if I have to."

"I will," Robin promised, though a part of her desperately wished Claire would come along. She pushed that feeling aside. "Besides, I'll be fine. It's just an interview."

Claire offered her a lopsided, dimpled grin. "You'd better be. Otherwise, who's going to split the rent with me? And who else am I going to force into watching 'The Witcher' marathons?"

"You'd probably just find a new victim. But don't worry, I'm not bailing on you yet," Robin chuckled.

"Good," Claire said, giving her a playful nudge. "Just be careful, alright?"

"Promise," Robin replied, her voice firmer than she felt inside.

Robin navigated the winding roads toward La Push, the dense evergreens casting long shadows in the afternoon light. The air felt different here—crisper, tinged with the salty scent of the ocean. As she neared the reservation, the landscape opened up, revealing a stretch of rocky beach on one side and modest houses nestled within the trees on the other. The community was small, with a few scattered buildings, but the natural beauty of the area was undeniable. Still, Sheila's words echoed in her mind, making her wonder if she would truly be welcome here. You need the job, you need the job, you need the job, she repeated like a silent mantra. Fuck Sheila. What the hell does she know, anyway?

La Push was a far cry from Seattle, or even Forks. The town was small, almost sleepy, with a sense of isolation that was both peaceful and unnerving. Her stomach twisted slightly, but she pushed the unease aside.

The La Push clinic sat at the edge of town, a simple one-story building with a faded sign out front. Robin parked her car and took a moment to gather herself, glancing around at the quiet surroundings. The parking lot was nearly empty, save for one gray truck. You can do this, she thought. This is totally fine. You're fine. Third time's the charm, right? Shaking off her doubts, Robin stepped out of the car.

As she approached the clinic entrance, the wind picked up, carrying with it the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore. The air was cooler here, and the sky seemed darker, the clouds hanging low and heavy.

The front door creaked slightly as she pushed it open, revealing a small but tidy waiting area. Inside the clinic, the atmosphere was quiet, almost hushed. The place was clearly well-maintained, but it had a worn, lived-in feel. A few mismatched chairs sat empty, and a stack of old magazines was piled on a table in the corner. The faint hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead. There was no receptionist in sight. Robin hesitated for a moment, then cleared her throat, unsure of where to go.

"Hello?" she called out, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet space.

A door opened down the hall, and a woman in her early fifties appeared. She was dressed in simple scrubs, her dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. Robin straightened instinctively as she approached.

"Robin Larsen?" the woman asked, her tone direct but not unfriendly.

"Yes, that's me," Robin replied.

The woman nodded, shook Robin's hand with a firm grip, and motioned for her to follow.

"I'm Sue. Come on in. We'll talk in my office," she said, leading the way through a narrow hallway to a small room at the back of the clinic. The office was cluttered but organized, with paperwork piled neatly on the desk and shelves lined with medical textbooks and supplies. A window looked out onto the forest behind the building, the trees swaying gently in the breeze.

"Have a seat," Sue offered, settling into her own chair across from Robin. She studied Robin for a moment, her gaze sharp and appraising. There was no small talk, no pleasantries, just a quiet, focused attention that made Robin sit up a little straighter.

"We don't get many new faces around here," Sue began, leaning back slightly and crossing her arms. Robin swallowed, nodding as she listened. There was no sugarcoating with Sue, and Robin respected that.

"So, you've been working as a paramedic in Seattle," Sue continued. "And you're studying to become a GP nurse?"

"Yes, that's right," Robin nodded, feeling the familiar nerves creeping in.

Sue nodded slowly, as if weighing her words carefully. "Why are you interested in working here, at this clinic? La Push is a small community, and it's not exactly bustling with opportunity. Most people would see it as a stepping stone, something to do until something better comes along. So, why here?"

Robin hesitated, unsure how to answer. The truth was, she hadn't planned on ending up in La Push. It was a last resort, a chance she was willing to take because she needed a job.

"I'm here because I need a job," Robin began honestly. "I'm new to this field, and I know I don't have a lot of experience yet, but I'm committed to learning. I want to be somewhere I'm needed, somewhere I can grow and contribute."

Sue's expression didn't change, but there was a glint of interest in her eyes. "It's not an easy place to work," she said after a moment. "We're understaffed, underfunded, and we deal with a lot of issues here that you might not see in a bigger city. It's hard work, and it can be frustrating. Are you someone who's going to quit when things get tough?"

Robin shook her head, meeting Sue's gaze steadily. "No, I'm not. I'm not interested in jumping from job to job."

Sue studied her for a long moment, as if weighing the truth of her words. Finally, she nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Well, that's good to hear. We're a small team here, and we need people we can rely on, people who are here for the right reasons."

Robin nodded, feeling a mix of relief and determination. "I understand."

Sue leaned forward slightly, her gaze still sharp but not unkind. "I'll be straight with you. You'll be working long hours sometimes, especially in the summer, and you'll need to be able to handle a lot on your own. You'll be expected to learn quickly and adapt. But if you're serious about staying, about becoming part of this community, we'll give you that chance."

"I am," Robin said, her voice firm.

Sue nodded again, satisfied. "Alright. We'll start you on a trial basis, see how you fit in. If it works out, we can talk about something more permanent. That sound good?"

Robin met her gaze, her resolve strengthening. "Yes, that sounds great."

"Good," Sue said, standing up. "I'll see you on Monday, then, introduce you to the team."

Robin stood as well, shaking Sue's hand once more.

Sue gave her a small, approving nod. "And Robin—welcome to La Push."