Hey,

I know it's been sooo long. But I STRUGGLED with this chapter! I rewrote it eight times, and I'm still iffy about it! But I do hope you like it! I hope everyone is staying safe and happy!

Thank you to those who have favored, followed, and reviewed. You are my motivation, and I appreciate each one of you! Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope you guys liked Chapter 15. Here's Chapter 16. I hope you enjoy it!

I have posted Scarred Angel on Fanfiction, Quotev, and Archive of our own as well. Enjoy!

Always and Forever,

Ari.

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety, bullying, anger issues, stress, emotional abuse, and negative thoughts.

Disclaimer: I only own my OC's and parts of the plot you do not recognize from the Twilight Saga.

Chapter 16: Comfort of You and Me

"When we meet someone and fall in love, we have a sense that the whole universe is on our side. And yet, if something goes wrong, there is nothing left! How is it possible for the beauty that was there only minutes before to vanish so quickly? Life moves very fast. It rushes from heaven to hell in a matter of seconds."

― Paulo Coelho, Eleven Minutes

6:56 a.m. Chiago Residence, La Push, Washington

I stared up at the yellowish stars, brushing my fingers against the nape of Paul's neck. I bit my lip to keep myself from grinning when he shifted closer to me. He groaned slightly, tightening his arm around my waist. I let my fingers trail gently across his warm skin. I peeked at the clock, internally groaning at the time. I turned back to look at the glowing stars. It was still dark outside, and I could hear the rain pelt against the windows. I closed my eyes, focusing on Paul's deep breaths and the rain. I tried my best not to fidget, but I couldn't go back to sleep, and I did not want to risk waking him. I opened my eyes and tried my best to ease out of his arms, but I stopped when Paul moved, intertwining his legs with mine. Paul adjusted his tight grip as he murmured my name, burying his face further into my neck. I felt my chest warm at the mention of my name and his safe, soothing embrace. I stopped moving, deciding to just lay with him and bask in the feel of his arms around me. I drew patterns on his skin, making my way towards his shoulder. I traced the dark ink, feeling the goosebumps rise on his skin. I closed my eyes again, slowly starting to count to thirty. I felt my body begin to get heavy when I reached twenty. I jerked awake when Paul shot up, panting heavily. He rested his face in his hand, trying to calm his breathing. I sat up quickly, tentatively touching his shoulder. "Baby?"

"Mhm, sorry, Rys," Paul mumbled, running his hand across his face roughly. I scooted closer to him, wrapping my arm around his waist, taking his other hand in mine. "I..."

I laid my head on his shoulder, feeling his body start to shiver. He intertwined our hands, breathing in deeply. I readjusted my arm, holding him as tight as I could. I hummed, "It's okay." He turned, sending me a tired smile. "Wanna talk about it?"

He shook his head, "later... promise." I lifted my head when Paul turned. His hands went to my face, and he grazed his head against mine. "Can we lay back down?" I nodded, gently detaching myself from him as I fluffed the pillows back up. I laid back, patiently waiting for him to join me. He let out a small breath as he lowered himself back on the bed. He kept his eyes on the stars, taking in slow breaths. There was space between us, and I was unsure if he wanted me close to him or if he needed some space. I brought my hands up to my face, giving him a moment to himself and taking the opportunity to study him. His jaw tensed as if he was trying to hold back whatever he was feeling. I brought the sheet closer to my chest, feeling the chill in the room. Through the night, I had kicked off the comforter because Paul was warmer than any blanket. Paul abruptly turned, startling me slightly as he closed the space between us. He moved his arm gently, laying it on my waist. I shivered when I felt how warm his palm was against the small of my back. He laid his head on my pillow, brushing his nose against mine. I put my hand on his jaw, feeling the growth of hair. Slowly, I let my fingers trail against his lips. He puckered his lips, kissing the tips of my fingers quickly. I laughed, cupping his jaw softly.

"Wanna go back to sleep," I murmured, letting my thumb brush across his cheek.

"I can't. Not after that dream," Paul mumbled, tightening his arm around me. I nodded in understanding. There were times after my nightmares I was terrified of going back to sleep. "They come when I least expect it." I listened to him, waiting for him to go on. "It started last year, and I can't seem to get them to stop. I don't wanna think about it right now." He groaned, shifting slightly. I winced, hearing his back pop in multiple places. "In all seriousness, babe, I hate to break it to you, but your bed sucks."

I snorted, shoving him lightly. "In all seriousness..." I rolled away from him, laughing when he wrapped his arms around me, rubbing his chin on my shoulder. I giggled, trying my best to block the scratchiness of his growth. "I love my bed. I'll have you know." I pushed his face turning in his arms again to face him.

He snickered, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "I know we were talking about my dreams, but I don't wanna think about it now. Not when I have you all to myself."

I smirked. "I understand," I grabbed Paul's hand holding it closer to me. I pressed a quick kiss to his hand. "I have an idea." I sat up, turning to face Paul. "Do you trust me?"

"Always." He smiled, staring at me with his deep earthy eyes. I felt my stomach flutter at his statement. I leaned towards him, unable to keep myself from kissing his cheek softly.

"Lay on your stomach, please." I pulled away with a breathy whisper. He held my gaze for a moment before he turned to lay on his stomach. "I'll be right back." Paul turned his head, watching me as I got off the bed. I peeked over my shoulder, seeing him staring at me. I showed more skin than I usually did, and I didn't feel uncomfortable with his eyes on me. I could feel his eyes on me as I searched through my vanity for lotion. I felt a different kind of warmth in the pit of my stomach when I caught his eyes trail up my legs. I grinned to myself, grabbing the bottle of lotion quickly, and I made my way back to the bed. I leaned down, pressing a kiss behind his ear. I felt his intake of breath, and I pulled away before I lost my nerve. "Tell me if you feel uncomfortable." He nodded, and I moved to straddle his lower back. "Too heavy?"

"God no," He groaned, letting out a small breath. I smiled, grabbing the lotion. I leaned forward slightly, feeling Paul's tense muscles beneath my palms. I let my fingers dig into his taut muscles. I worked on his right shoulder, feeling the knots slowly start to lessen. "Baby... that feels good." I felt Paul go boneless beneath me. Once I was satisfied with his right shoulder, I moved to the left.

Paul breathed deeply, and I frowned when I felt a big knot. "I'm sorry, it will feel better in a moment." Paul let out a small sigh when I lessened the pressure.

"Rys," Paul murmured, turning his head to look at the wall that held all of my photos. I hummed, running my hands along his back. "Don't get scared." Before I could say anything, loud pops sounded from his neck when he jerked his head to the left. I gasped, slapping my hand over my mouth. Paul snickered, burying his face in the mattress. I flicked his back, moving to get off. I sat beside him, biting my lip to keep from laughing. He turned his head, smirking at me. "I did warn you."

I narrowed my eyes at him, tugging on his earlobe. "You're lucky you're cute."

"I know," Paul grinned as he moved to rest his head on my thigh. "I'm the whole package." I snorted, running my fingers through his hair. I shivered when he ran his fingers against my calves. "Baby?"

"Yeah," I asked, scratching his back lightly. He hummed, pressing himself closer to me, shifting his back to the left. I smiled to myself when I purposely avoided the area he wanted me to scratch.

Paul adjusted himself, kicking the sheet off his legs. "To the left." He hummed when I finally gave in. "Let's spend the whole day here."

I pretended to think about it for a moment, grinning when he sighed. "In the bed?" He nodded, letting out a yawn. "Since you asked so nicely... I guess. But wait..." I paused, "I thought my bed sucked." I squeaked when he pinched my calf. "So mean Lahote."

"I make up for it by being cute," I snorted, tugging on his ear again. "Oh no, you don't," Paul grabbed me, dragging me, so he was hovering over me. I grinned up at him, letting my fingers trail to the hairs at the back of his neck. I pulled him down lightly, rubbing my nose against his. "You're cute, but that's not gonna help you get out of this baby."

I batted my eyelashes at him, hooking my leg on his hip. "Tell me, Mr. Lahote, will this?" I used my weight to flip him on his back. I pressed a quick kiss to his lips, smirking at his surprised face when I pulled back. I stared down at him, pressing my palms against his shoulders so he couldn't flip us. He shook his head, tightening his hands against my hips. "No?" I leaned down again, kissing his cheek quickly before he could turn his head and capture my lips. "Now?

Paul narrowed his eyes, sitting up quickly, pressing me closer to him. "Don't tease, Laryssa." I moved my arms to rest on his shoulders. He moved again, pressing his palms against my back. I shivered when his hand touched my heated skin. I moved towards him, pressing my lips against the corner of his mouth. I tried to keep myself from smirking when he growled, capturing my lips in a messy kiss. I closed my eyes as I sought to push myself impossibly closer to him. "Gotcha," Paul mumbled against my lips. I felt light-headed when his fingers found themselves under my shirt. His touches sent sparks up my spine. I pulled back, from him taking a deep breath. I shivered in his arms when his lips trailed to my neck. I could feel warmth pooling at the bottom of my stomach. He groaned when a howl sounded. "Damn it," Paul rested his head against my shoulder, "I have to go, Laryssa."

"Go," I questioned as he lifted his head to look at me. "I thought we were gonna stay here..." I trailed off selfishly, holding onto him tighter.

He pulled back, sending me a quick grin. "I'll be back in an hour or two. I have to get going, babe." As much as I wanted to keep holding onto him, I let go of him, climbing off his lap. His hands cupped my face as he pressed a kiss to my forehead. I closed my eyes, trying not to let out a small sigh when he pulled away. I didn't understand why he had to leave right now. He didn't say that he had to go anywhere. I tried not to let my thoughts trail to him, leaving quickly because of something I did. I watched as he yanked his shirt over his head, grimacing when another howl sounded.

"Be careful..." I didn't like how close the animal sounded. Paul glanced at me over his shoulder as he shoved his shoes on his feet. I got up from the bed, walking towards the window, pushing the curtain to the side. I glanced out at the muggy morning, wrinkling my nose when I felt the chill from the glass. I told myself that he wasn't leaving because of me.

I looked at Paul when he shuffled towards me. "Always." I let out a small smile when his arm wrapped around my waist as he cornered me against the wall beside the window. He leaned down, pressing his lips against mine quickly. "I'll make it up to you, promise..."

"Don't stress about it," I stood on my tiptoes, brushing my nose against his.

He huffed, cupping my cheek, pressing his lips against mine again. I grinned against his lips, feeling a little bit bold as I let my hand wander undeath his shirt. I lightly dug my nails into his back. "God, I don't wanna leave," He mumbled against my lips. I didn't want him to leave either. I let myself get lost as I tried to get closer to him. Another howl sounded, causing him to yank himself away from me immediately. "Shit, I'll see you in a bit." I nodded dumbly, letting my fingers trail to my lips. He looked conflicted before he turned on his heel, heading towards the door. I listened as the front door closed, and I let myself slide down against the wall. The coolness of the floor felt nice against my heated skin. I let out a deep breath as I pushed my hair away from my face. I pressed my hands against my cheeks, trying to command myself to cool down. I closed my eyes, resting my head against the wall, still feeling his hands and lips on my skin. I let out a deep breath as I tried to compose myself. I picked myself up from the floor, slowly trailing to my closet. I pulled out a pair of black leggings and a long sleeve shirt changing quickly, shoving my nightclothes into my hamper. I grabbed my phone from my nightstand, seeing two missed calls from an unknown number. I clicked on the number, putting it on speaker as I tied my hair up.

I listened for a few rings, and just as I was about to hang up, the line clicked over. "Hello," a deep male voice echoed through the room.

I picked up my phone quickly. "Uh... Hi, I received two missed calls from this number, and I was uhm just giving a callback," I trailed off awkwardly.

"Laryssa?" I glanced at the phone. I didn't give out my name, and I hardly gave out my number.

"I'm sorry, who is this," I asked, slowly trailing out of my room.

"Oh, my apologies, I forgot to introduce myself to you. My name is Oliver, and I am one of your mother's new assistants." I refrained from hanging up the phone like I wanted to. She always had a high turnover rate with assistants. "She has been unable to reach you or Jayden. So she asked that I try. I did speak to Jayden briefly before he asked me to contact you." I leaned against Jay's door, biting the inside of my cheek. I wished he would've warned me before I called the number back. "Laryssa?"

"What does she need," I asked, trying my best to keep my voice even. I paused, hoping she had a change of heart, "Actually, is she there? I would like to speak with her."

"Laryssa, Mrs. Odina is getting ready for her book signing. She asked me to contact you because..." I tuned him out, feeling my heart pound in my chest. Odina?

"What do you mean... Odina? Her last name is Chiago," I murmured, staring at the phone in shock. Odina wasn't her maiden name, and she wasn't the type to suddenly go by an alias.

"Oh, I thought you were aware that she married my uncle Mark last week. She said that you and Jayden couldn't make the wedding." I didn't know who Mark was, nor did she mention any wedding. I stayed silent as I processed the new information. I heard Oliver curse quietly, "You don't know my uncle, Mark, do you?"

I took a deep breath, "I'm afraid I don't. I want to speak with Grace right now. I don't care if she is getting ready. She will either speak to me now or..." I paused, taking a second to compose my tone to hide my anger, "our relationship, both professional and personal, ends here."

I listened to Oliver shuffle on the other end. I could hear voices in the background. I winced when I heard her laugh. "Mrs. Odina, I have-" I walked to the kitchen, staring out the window as I tried to calm my erratic heart.

"Ollie, we talked about this, sweetheart... You can call me Grace." Anger rushed through my veins.

"Laryssa is on the phone asking to speak with you," Oliver rushed out, and the voices cut off. I glared at the phone, knowing that it was muted. I watched the numbers on the screen, feeling my rage brewing with every passing second.

I counted silently, trying to calm the storm. I glared at the phone when it came back to life. "Marie, babygirl-" The sound of her voice sickened me.

"Do you have any fucking idea what this will do to Jay?" I cut her off, feeling the string snap. "Man... I knew you were selfish, but this hits a whole new level. We think of you every day and foolishly hope you will call or at the very least text us to let us know you think of us too. But you moved on to something new and didn't even tell us. Gods... I can't do this anymore with you."

"Laryssa, baby girl, please," Grace whispered into the phone. "Wait until the book tour ends. Everything will change. I promise."

I let out a deep breath. It was still about her damn book. It was always going to be about her wants. "I don't believe you. Dad would be so ashamed of you and what you become. I want nothing to do with you."

I watched the screen light up, showing that she wanted to facetime with me. I hovered over the button, and I knew I wanted to see her. Part of me hoped that a demon had replaced her, and when I saw her, I would realize that it wasn't really her. I clicked on the green button, seeing her face pop up on the screen. I wanted to bury my face in my hands when I realized it was still her. I took a moment to memorize her face because I decided that enough was enough with her. The longer I stared at her, the more I realized that she didn't look like my mom. Her long dark hair had been dyed blonde and cut to her shoulders, tears had gathered on her lash extensions, and her brown eyes were hidden behind the green contacts, and yet even with all the changes, she was still beautiful. "I fucked up Marie, but please don't give up on me."

"You forgot about us. Your book is more important, and apparently, so is your new family. Somewhere along the way, you stopped fighting for us," My words felt bitter. "I'll finish out my contract with your book. Think of it as my wedding gift for you, Mrs. Odina." I couldn't keep the venom out of my tone. The tears that finally fell from her eyes should have made me feel worse. Instead, I felt numb. My chest ached, and I wanted my dad to hold me and tell me everything would be okay.

"Laryssa..." I looked away from her, no longer able to bear staring at the stranger in front of me. "Please." Her plea felt like needles in my skin.

"I don't know what Jay will think... But I guess that's none of your concern anymore. I should've known when you didn't come home when he got arrested. Nevertheless, have a great rest of your book tour. If I have any questions regarding our contract or Jayden, communication can be via email through your assistants. Other than that, please don't contact me. Goodbye, Mrs. Odina." I hit the red button tossing my phone on the counter. I felt reality set in when she didn't call back.

I gripped the sink, feeling my breath leave me. I looked at the boxes on the table, and my rage rose. I wanted to see Grace's hard work burn. I could feel the resentment, and I wanted to scream.

I grabbed my phone, dialing dad's old number. I listened to it ring, holding in a sob when it went to voicemail. "It's Danny... Please leave a voicemail, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can." I heard the little beep, and I hung up. I clicked on John's name, listening to the phone ring. Just as I was about to hang up, he picked up.

"Lil artist, what a pleasant surprise," His voice had me kneeling on the kitchen floor with a choked sob. Relief coursed through my body at his voice. "Laryssa," He sounded panicked. "Hey... Hey, talk to me..." I held the phone to my chest, letting my whimpers overtake my body. "Rys... talk to me. I'm here." I opened my mouth to talk, but the words couldn't come out. I felt the scream lodge itself in my throat. "Give me your phone!" I felt my breath quicken. "Deep breaths. In... Out..." I tried to concentrate on his voice, "Slower." I tried to slow my breathing, "You can get through this, Laryssa." I lowered myself on the tile, staring up at the ceiling. "You're doing good. Keep breathing."

"I want my dad," I admitted after a while. If I could have anything in the world, I would just want a few minutes with him. "I want to burn it all." The tears leaked out of my eyes, and I felt them run in my ears. "She has a new family, and we are replaced. Tossed away like we are junk. She got married. If I would've seen her on the street, I wouldn't have recognized her." John was quiet, and I didn't have the energy to get up. I focused on Jayden's horrible paint job, and it finally clicked that I would have to tell him. "Oh my god... How am I gonna tell Jay?"

"I'm so sorry, Laryssa." I blinked a few times, hearing John's voice shake. "Right now, I want you to focus on yourself. Breathe, little sister. Focus on your breathing." I nodded even though he couldn't see me. "I've got you." I lifted my hand, wiping my cheeks. "Let it all out." I tightened my hand around the phone, clutching it as if it was my life preserver as I closed my eyes and let despair consume me.

9:46 a.m. Chiago Residence, La Push, Washington

"I'm in control," I opened my eyes, looking up at the kitchen ceiling. I heard the crackle from my phone. "I'm sorry. Gods, I didn't mean to worry you."

I sat up, leaning against the cabinet. "I'm going to facetime you from my friend's phone... Okay?"

I nodded, realizing that he couldn't see me. "Okay." I hung up, waiting for him to call. I let out a small breath, getting up from the floor. I leaned over the sink, washing my face quickly. I dried my face, clicking the green button when the unknown number popped up. John's face came onto the screen, and I tossed the paper towel away, picking my phone up.

I looked away quickly, ashamed at my reaction to Grace's news. "Laryssa, look at me." I took a deep breath before daring to meet his gaze. "You call me little sister anytime you need me. I'd rather you call me than be alone. I know you and your tendency to carry the weight of the family on your shoulders. I may be miles away, but I'm here for you. Always." I sent him a small smile, letting his words send me comfort. "Did I tell you I was gonna visit again soon?"

"No," I heaved myself up on the counter, seeing how healthy he looked. I focused on being happy for him. "When are you coming? I'll make you some of your favorite food."

John smirked, resting his face on his hand. "Can I bring one of my friends?" I raised an eyebrow, taking my hair down. "Yes, I have friends. But we will be there in two weeks. We are going to stay for three weeks."

I laughed, shaking my head at him at how oblivious he was. "You know I don't mind. Are you going to make the chicken thing?" I rolled my eyes. I didn't understand why he and Jay referred to chicken scampi as the chicken thing.

"Is that what you want?" He nodded enthusiastically. "I'll make it then."

John rubbed his hands together, a broad grin on his face. I looked out the window, seeing the rain start up again. I hoped that Paul had made it safely to wherever he needed to be. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

I wanted to keep it in, but I knew that it would tear me apart, and I trusted John to help to carry the load. "I don't know how to tell Jay..." I trailed off, hoping that Oliver or Grace didn't try to contact him. "I'm angry... I feel the rage in my veins, and I want to tear everything down. I want to scream, but I can't. I want to burn her work for daring to do this to us. I want her to hurt like she hurts me, time after time."

John watched me, a concerned look on his face. "I can only imagine what that feeling. I think if I was in your position, I would do the same. Maybe worse."

"I told her that I want nothing to do with her. Did I do the wrong thing," I asked because I knew John wouldn't tell me what I wanted to hear. He knew Grace, and he knew me.

"I can't answer that because I don't know the whole story. But I know Grace hurt you, and you hurt her. I know there is much pain between you and her," I chewed on my lip as I listened to him. "What do you think?"

"Right now, I don't know. Everything is hazy, and it's like we had to beg for a sliver of Grace's attention, and all she cared about is that damn book. Then she gets married, and when Jay was arrested, she told me to handle it. Heneeded her. I needed her. How the hell was I supposed to handle that?" I took a deep breath, trying not to let myself get worked up. "Maybe it'll change, and I can let her back in, but right now... I don't wanna look at her. I don't want to see anything that reminds me of her. I know I can't get lost in what I'm feeling. I have to focus on Jay and how he's gonna take this."

"I disagree... I think you need to feel what you are feeling. You're gonna carry the anger and pain in you, and it will build and build until it explodes, destroying everything in its wake." John's brown eyes bored into mine. "Take some time to feel the pain and the anger. I'm not saying to let it consume you and dictate your life but feel it. Don't push what you are feeling down. Anger is not a bad emotion Laryssa, it's just up to you to deal with it healthily."

I let out a small laugh. John always told me what I needed to hear. "I miss these talks. I forgot how smart you are," I smiled, running my fingers through my hair. I didn't realize how much I missed when John lived with us.

"You better not forget how smart I am either! But I missed this too. You and me on the beach, then getting in mock trouble by Danny for being out way too late." I thought back to when Dad had pretended to scold us, so Grace would be satisfied. I had forgotten about those moments. "Y'know I'm only a phone call away," I nodded, letting out a deep breath. "You got this. You are a strong young woman."

"I'm happy I got you as an older brother, even if I had to endure your terrible breath in the mornings." I laughed, watching John roll his eyes. "Thank you for being there."

"You were there when my world fell apart and when it came back together. It's what family does. We are there for each other during our ups and downs," John smirked. I remembered the brokenness in his eyes and the bruises that graced his body. Then everything changed when he lived with us. He became who he was always meant to be. "There will be light at the end of the tunnel. I mean, look how far you came now. I wouldn't have been able to get this out of you a year ago. I don't think you would've called." I nodded at his statement. A year ago, I would still be taking the bullshit from Grace and letting it simmer under the surface.

I jumped slightly when his door banged open, and a tan shirtless male walked in. "Gimmie my phone." I listened to John, and the other male argue about the phone. I knew that it was time for me to check out.

"I'm okay, John... I'll talk to you later. Let me know when you wanna meet up," I smiled at him. I glanced at the male, seeing him grin in triumph. "Be safe and see you soon, big brother." I waved at him, hitting the red button before he could answer. I leaned back, taking a moment to compose myself. I let out a breath, easing myself down from the counter.

I trailed to the living room, moving to lock the front door. I turned, tripping over Jayden's discarded shoes. I caught myself on the couch, glaring down at the offending shoes. I picked up his shoes, going to toss them into his room. I opened his door, walking over to his closet, and flinging his shoes in. I turned, and my eyes narrowed in at the forgotten journal on Jay's dresser. I walked towards it, bringing the worn brown leather closer to my body. I let my fingers trace my dad's pretty handwriting and sketches of the tribal emblems. I settled myself beside the dresser, shoving a pile of dirty clothes away from me as I flipped the journal open.

12:26 p.m. Chiago Residence, La Push, Washington

I stared down at the letters and drawing, unsure if this was a ruse. I let my fingers trace the mark given to those who shifted into wolves—our protectors. My father had written the tattoo was given to protectors, so the tribe could tell who our warriors were that protected us. I slammed the book shut, my mind flashing to Paul and some of his behaviors. I considered earlier and how Paul had to suddenly leave when he heard the howl. I thought about his insane body heat and how it created steam and the trembles that went through him when he was angry. When I thought of Embry and what he said about how Paul thinks about me and how Embry looked like a deer caught in headlights when I questioned him about his choice of words. Then how one day, Embry was a scrawny kid, and the next time I saw him was beefy. I got up, holding the journal close to my stomach. Part of me wanted to believe that it wasn't possible. But the other part of me knew the stories of my ancestors were plausible, and I accepted it.

A loud knock from the front door startled me from my thoughts. I set the journal back on the dresser. I tried to calm my racing heart as I walked to the front door. I peeked out the peephole, seeing Paul standing in front of the door, holding two food bags in his hand. My hands faltered with the lock. I took a deep breath, knowing that he had given me no reason to fear him. I was delusional, and the stress from Grace wasn't helping me. I unlocked the door, opening it sending an unsure smile to Paul.

"Hi, baby... Sorry, I took longer than two hours. I brought food. Trying to suck up a little bit," Paul admitted as he smiled sheepishly, holding up both bags. I stepped back, letting him in. He shuffled inside, leaning down to give me a kiss. I turned my head quickly, letting him kiss my cheek. Paul pulled back, a confused look flashing on his face before he masked it. He walked to the kitchen while I worked on closing the door. I was an idiot. Paul wouldn't hurt me, and deep down, I knew my fear was misplaced. "Laryssa, everything o-"

"Are you a protector?" I blurted, not having the guts to look at him. I let out a deep breath, cursing myself for blurting it out. I rubbed my face pushing my palms into my eyes. "Sorry, I just had a crappy morning after you left, and I read an old journal. My mind is everywhere, and I'm just-"

"What if...I said yes?" Paul cut off my ramblings. I took my hands away from my face. I slowly turned to face him, expecting to see him grinning, with a gotcha expression on his face. Instead, I was met with a worried look splashed across his face. I moved towards him, slowly giving him time to pull away as I took his hand in mine. "You beat me. It's what I wanted to talk to you about today..." Paul let out a shaky breath as he brought our hands closer to his chest. I stared up at him; a slight frown made its way onto his face. "But first... What happened this morning? Are you alright?"

I sent him a small smile, trying to feign like I was okay when I wasn't. I pushed myself into his arms. His arms wrapped around me tightly, like he was shielding me from the world. "My mom remarried, and she didn't tell us. I didn't know she has someone serious in her life. I just can't deal with her anymore, so I ended the relationship." His arms tightened, and it felt like the world finally stopped spinning, and I was able to think. "I don't know how I'm going to tell Jay. I feel so lost, and it's like I can't catch a break with her..." I peered up at him. "So... AKA crappy morning." Paul frowned, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. "I didn't mean to corner you... about the whole protector thing. We don't have to talk about it." We all had things that we weren't ready to share, and I didn't want to push him. I didn't want to get into the topic of Grace at all. All I wanted was him, and I didn't want to lose him.

His hands trailed up to my face, and I closed my eyes, feeling how gentle he was with me, and it only reinforced the idea that he wouldn't hurt me. Paul's warm palms sent shivers down my spine, and the feeling of his warm skin on mine made me crave to be as close I could be to him. "You didn't corner me... I've wanted to talk to you about it. How did you know? I mean, I already know you're a genius." I chuckled, pushing my face closer to his palms.

"You are really good at buttering me up," I laughed, "but my dad helped, so technically, I had a little help. Can't take all the credit for being a genius," I murmured, opening my eyes, grabbing his hands, and taking them in my own. "Why don't you get the food, and I'll go get what helped me. We can talk and eat."

"Picnic," Paul asked, leaning down closer to me. I nodded, standing on my toes to press a quick kiss to his lips. He smiled as I pulled back, rubbing my thumb against his cheek. He leaned down, kissing me until I was breathless.

12:47 p.m. Chiago Residence, La Push, Washington

I smiled at the mountain of fries and fried fish strips. I flipped open my dad's journal, pointing at the drawing of Paul's tattoo. "Look familiar?"

I snagged a fry, watching as he flipped through the journal. I chewed slowly, watching as his eyes took everything in. "Your dad knew about us?" I shrugged, unsure if he actually did as I took a sip of water. "Everything in here is true. He just didn't mention a few things." Paul sighed, trailing his fingers over the multiple drawings of the tattoo. "It doesn't say anything about the cold ones."

My eyes widened at the mention of my least favorite legend. "Not them," I found myself groaning. I hated the story of the cold ones. Demons without a soul, drinking blood to keep them here. I couldn't understand why anyone would want to live that long. "Are the other stories true... or is it just that one?"

"I think it's just that one," Paul grimaced, "When they came back, it's when we started shifting. Besides, I haven't seen the Daskiya, and I've patrolled the whole area." I shivered at the thought of the child-eating basket woman. I remembered when Grace used to tell me about her and threaten to drag me into the woods.

"What do you mean by when they came back," I asked, trying to rake my thoughts of who I needed to keep Jay away from. I couldn't fathom the idea of a cold one draining him dry. I felt my heart start to pound at the prospect of a cold one being in the same area as us.

"Hey," Paul wrapped his arm around my shoulder, "No leech in Forks, will dare cross the treaty line. They know better," He soothed, rubbing his hand against my shoulder. "I won't let anyone or anything harm you or Jayden." I let out a breath that I didn't know that I had been holding. I took comfort in his words. I leaned closer to him, hating the idea of a cold one being near any of us.

"Dad used to tell us stories about the legends. Well, he and Billy did when we used to get together. I never thought they were real," I said, setting my head on his shoulder. "So you're one of our protectors. Quite the honor and burden."

Paul shut the journal, setting it on the coffee table. He leaned his head against mine. "Yeah, it happened spring of the junior year. I got into an argument with my mom because she wanted to come back to my dad. She split up with my dad when I was eight. She didn't want to be a mom then, and I was so angry that she wanted to come back and try since she was ready. She missed everything, and when she left, my dad threw himself into work and drinking. Everything I felt, all the frustration, hurt, and anger coursed through me. I felt suffocated, and I knew I had to leave. So I left. The next thing I knew, I was in the woods, and I had fur, four legs, and a tail. " I rubbed his arm, and I couldn't even imagine how he felt at the moment. I frowned when I realized how much stress he must be under. Paul took my hand, tightly intertwining our fingers.

"I can't even imagine," I murmured, turning to look at him, "all of the stress and worry that you must have because of it." Paul brought my hand to his lips. I could feel his shuttered breath against my hand. "Does your dad know?"

"No," He mumbled, adjusting our hands. "I couldn't bring myself to tell him. Sam thought I should. But I couldn't. He is a risk. Especially with his drinking," I tightened my hand, gently turning his face to look at me. I searched his eyes, seeing the pain he harbored. I thought about how lonely he must be. I at least had Jay. "Only a few know... it's easier now that you do too."

"Is that why you don't get much sleep?" Paul moved, drawing me onto his lap. I rested my legs on either side of his hips.

"One of 'em..." Paul's arms tightened around me, he leaned his head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arms around him, holding him to me. I ran my fingers through his hair, hoping to soothe his sudden anxiety, "there's more I have to tell you. But I'm afraid I am going to lose you."

"I mean... I think I took the whole protector thing pretty well," I tried to lighten up the sudden solemn mood. "Hey... look at me." Paul lifted his head slowly, "is what you have to tell me so bad?"

Paul scanned my face before he let out a deep breath. "You are my imprint," Paul whispered, cupping my face. I furrowed my brows, wondering what he meant by that. "You are everything to me, Laryssa." I could feel my heart pounding in my ears at his six words. The devotion and adoration in his eyes made my heart skip a beat. I never saw that look before. "It's hard to explain it... But when I first saw you and your fierce, beautiful brown eyes, everything in my being called out to you. It was like the world fell away, and the only thing holding me here was... you." His thumbs stroked my cheeks, and his eyes scanned my face. "Laryssa... baby, say something, anything please."

"I..." I pulled his hands away from my face, holding them tightly in my hands. "I don't understand what you mean. The book didn't say anything about imprints." I searched his face, wondering what he was trying to say without saying it directly.

"Yeah, let me start over," Paul said, shaking his head. "There is this thing that happens to us, imprinting. We don't know why it happens, only that our imprint becomes the most important thing in our lives. We become whatever they need us to be. A protector. A friend." He moved closer to me, brushing his nose against mine. "Or a lover." I felt my eyes widen at his words and my heart jumping to my throat. The sudden rush of blood to my cheeks had me looking away to try and control the rush of heat.

I let go of his hands, slightly pulling back from him. I set my palms on his cheeks, feeling his growing stubble. I stared at him, "I'm your imprint?" Paul nodded, his hands moving to rest on my lower back. "You didn't get to choose your imprint? So it's like an involuntary thing?"

His eyebrows furrowed, and his hands tightened. "Laryssa..." I felt so many emotions and questions swirling in the pit of my stomach, but the one nagging one I had to know.

"Did you get a choice, Paul?" I interrupted, feeling a stone settle in the pit of my stomach. He kept quiet, and it gave me the answer I needed. I let my hands drop from his face, "How is that fair? What if one day I decide I don't want this and decide to walk away. Are you able to walk away? It sounds like I reap all the benefits. I don't like the thought of that..."

I felt a shiver run through Paul, and his eyes darkened. "If you want someone else... I would understand as long as you were happy. Do you want to be with someone else?" I felt my heart clench at his answer.

"No, I don't," My answer was immediate, and he crushed me to his chest. "It's just not fair for you... you should get a choice. It just feels one-sided. I want you to have a choice. I want you to decide what you want."

"Ever since I found out about the imprint. I couldn't wait to meet mine. I didn't even know if I would get an imprint. There is so much that is unknown about imprints. We could never get one, and I would be alone while watching my brothers find their imprint. When I finally met you, it was like something in me felt complete," Paul held me to him like he was scared I would disappear. "Laryssa, I want you. I want every piece of you. You had me when you called me an ass. I admired you, even before I locked eyes with you. Even if I wasn't a shifter and imprinting didn't exist, I would want to know and be with you. I saw you that day, and no one has stood up to me and seen me for me. Baby, if you need time, I'll give it to you. If you want to walk away, I won't stand in your way... Just tell me what you need."

I pulled back, resting my arms on his shoulders. "That day we met, I feel like I was woken up from an endless gray dream. To be honest, Paul, I don't know how I feel because this is all new for me. After all, I've never been in a relationship before. Yet, I'm comfortable with you, in a way that I've never been with anyone, and I'm gonna trust that because I never let anyone besides my dad and Jay in my art room. That room is my sacred place." I played with the hair at the nape of his neck. "I don't wanna walk away. I just want you. Not as my protector. Not as extra muscle. Just Paul." I smiled at him as I leaned down to press a kiss against his forehead.

Paul let out a heavy sigh and a chuckle. He crushed me against him, and I stroked the back of his neck. "Kim was right." I pulled back, glancing down at him, wondering what he meant. He pushed my hair away from my face, "She told me that you would understand, and I wouldn't lose you."

"Thank you, Kimmy," I smirked, turning my head to press a kiss on his hand. "I just don't want this to be something where it's all about my wants and needs. The way you made it sound was that I am up here," I lifted my hand up, "and everything else like you and your needs are here." I lowered my hand.

Paul lifted my hand, so it was right next to where I had listed my needs. "My needs are right here besides yours. Promise." I nodded, moving to get off his lap. His hands moved to my hips, preventing me from getting off of him. He moved, pulling me closer to him. I tucked my face in his neck, relishing in the comfort of him and me.