Hi,

I just realized I messed up the timeline and didn't follow my outline! The last chapter was supposed to be chapter 26, and this chapter was supposed to be 27. So the timeline might be a little wonky. But, I suppose the beauty of fanfiction is to make up the rules as we go. I hope everyone is staying happy and healthy! Anyways enjoy the chapter!

Always and Forever,

Ari.

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety, parental arguing, silent treatment, bullying, emotional abuse, implied sexual relationships, unwanted touching, sexual assault, suicide attempt using a medication, suicidal ideation, manipulation, panic attack, abandonment, stress, abandonment.

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

Chapter 26: Brothers? Brothers.

"You are, and always have been, my dream."

― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

4:53 p.m. Lahote House, La Push, Washington

Paul moved his hands up and down her side, trying to be gentle when he felt her raised scraped skin. He focused on her soft breathing, trying to let it soothe his ire. Paul let his mind wander and didn't know what emotion to feel more than anger. Outrage burned through his veins when he thought about the man who demanded an introduction and how he dared to hurt her. He closed his eyes, trying to picture the man. Paul concentrated on the image of the blue-eyed, stocky pale man with thinning hair and a prominent beer gut. He had caused her so much pain and didn't seem to care. Paul wanted to bring him to his knees, make him beg for forgiveness, ensure the man never came near her and protect her from ever seeing him again. He faintly remembered the night she had attempted, Jay's anguish screams, and his heart hurt for the Chiago siblings. They were both alone, and Paul made a silent promise they would never be alone again. His arm tightened around her, and he could not stop the thoughts of almost losing her and never having the chance to love her or have a family.

Laryssa burrowed closer to him, taking him away from his thoughts. He looked at her, brushing her damp air away from her face, and she looked exhausted. Paul brushed his fingers against her cheeks, and she frowned, moving closer when Paul took them away. Paul smiled, and he put his hand closer to her, and she pressed her cold nose against his palm. "Why is your nose always cold," He whispered, taking care not to wake her. Laryssa let out a heavy sigh, and Paul leaned forward, brushing his lips against her hair. Gently, he lifted her off him, placing her, so she was lying on the bed. She winced in her sleep, instinctively curling closer to him. He rested his arm above her head, turning on his side to watch her. Laryssa grabbed his side, pressing her body closer to him. "Sweet dreams, my heart." He tucked her hair behind her ear, watching her settle. Paul moved, curling around her. He listened to the steady thump of her heart. It was soothing. It told him she was alive.

Paul started to close his eyes and felt his phone buzzing in his pocket. He quickly pulled it out, seeing Jay's goofy picture flash on the screen. "Hey, little brother." He answered, sitting up, pulling the bag of completely defrosted peas with him, and he stood feeling his back pop. He glanced at Laryssa, still seeing her sleeping. He closed the door with a quiet click, "you there?"

"Uhm, can you come and not tell Rys," He whispered, and Paul was instantly on high alert. He dropped the peas on the couch, his heart starting to race. "I'm at home, and quickly, please."

Paul heard crackling on Jay's end, and he abruptly hung up. Paul cursed to himself, yanking his shoes on. He dialed Sam, holding the phone to his ear, grabbing her keys, and rushed out of the house as quickly as possible. The line clicked over, "I need you at Laryssa's house. My control is breaking." He could feel the simmer rapidly building beneath his skin. The last thing he wanted was to shift and hurt Jay.

"Don't go around her," Sam commanded through the phone. "She will understand." He could hear the leaves crunching in the background.

Paul unlocked her car, sliding the driver's seat back. "She's asleep at my house. I will fill you in later. Jay called, and I don't know what the hell is going on. But I'm pissed off, and the last thing I want to do is shift or do something I regret. So please, meet me there." He shoved himself into her car, trying to keep his calm.

"Hold on." Sam sighed, and Paul could hear the wind in the background, and he knew Sam was running. He started the car and quickly pulled away from his house, setting the phone on speaker. The wind died down, and Sam was quiet for a moment. "A white man is here. He works at the hospital. I will check on Jay. Stay calm."

Paul hung up, panic seeping through his veins as he sped through the roads, seeing their house, and pulled in with a screech. He saw the source of his anger, leaning casually against the house railing as he chatted enthusiastically with Sam and his arm slung comfortably around Jay. He growled, shoving the door, and Jay moved and pulled himself away, darting down the steps. Jay skidded to a stop, tripping against his untied shoelaces and crashed into Paul. Paul steadied him, searching him over for any injuries. "You didn't tell her, right?"

"No," Paul tried to shove the trembles down. "You okay?" Jay glanced back at the pink scrubbed man. He nodded, stepping back, scrubbing the back of his neck, and staring at his shoes. Paul grabbed his wrist, setting the keys in his hand, "Wait in the car. I'll handle it. Don't get out for any reason, alright?"

"But-" Jay's head shot up, and Paul could see the worry etched on his face.

"Jay, trust me..." Paul tried his hardest not to growl at him. He took a deep breath, setting his hand on the back of Jay's neck in an attempt to soothe, "Please." Jay faltered before he nodded, moving to the passenger side and getting in the car. Once Paul heard the door shut, he stared at the man who caused harm to his imprint. Fury boiled under his skin and wanted him to suffer like he made her. Paul moved towards the house, wanting to slam his fist in his smirking face.

Paul climbed the steps, and Sam moved, pressing his hand against his shoulder. He could feel Sam's stare and his heavy hand. "What's with the glare?" Norris smirked, crossing his arms. He turned his gaze to Sam, "Sam, it seems you are the last one with respect. Don't you all preach about respecting your elders? Not feeling the respect now."

He moved forward, his trembles increasing; however, Sam held fast. "You want respect." Paul began, his voice low and his anger high. "You are the last one that deserves it... You need to stay away from my family." Paul watched Norris' smirk widen, "I know what you did," and the smirk started to dim, "if you come around again, you will regret it."

Norris gathered himself again; his eyes gleamed proudly. "See what I mean, Sam... no respect," Norris grinned, moving forward. "I haven't the faintest idea of what you are talking about, and I haven't done anything. I didn't know the Chiago family gained another member, and Gracie didn't mention anything. So, Welcome...now where is Laryssa? We have a few things to discuss."

Sam moved again, putting himself between the two when Paul's trembles increased. His protector was begging to be let out and protect his family. "Norris...enough." Norris stared up at Sam, letting out a deep sigh. "Please leave."

"Sam Uley, this is-"

Paul moved in front of Sam, gripping Norris's pink scrubs and pulling the vile man closer to him. "LEAVE!" Sam clamped his hand over Paul's, forcing him to let go. Norris threw himself back, his eyes widening at Paul. "While I'm still calm," Paul hissed, feeling the urge to tear him apart. Norris scrambled away from them, almost slipping down the stairs; he scrambled to his car, the engine roaring to life. Norris pulled out of the driveway, kicking up gravel as he left. Paul glanced at Jay's wide eyes, trying to find a way to calm himself down.

Sam's hands pressed on his shoulders, "Calm down." Paul was forced to obey the command, and his heart started to steady. "We'll be lucky if he doesn't call the cops. We do not harm people... We protect. You know this, so why?"

"He won't," Paul stared up at Sam, knowing that he would see everything later during patrol. "He violated her a few years ago, and she had to use a leech for help to get him away from her today." His fury tried to spike, but the command held him down. He felt sick at the admittance and how he had to let others know. She trusted him, and part of him hated that he had to share with the others. Sam grimaced, taking a step back. "I will not apologize for getting upset. He thought she was alone with her brother and wanted to cause further harm. I will protect those I love and ask that you and my brothers do the same."

"We will. We will be vigilant." Sam promised, and Paul felt the pressure lessen. "How is she?"

Paul glanced at Jay, seeing him biting his nails. "Relieved someone believes her, yet still avoidant. She carried the burden, and it is hard for her to fully trust." Paul felt heavy and noticed it was only a modicum of what she must've felt. He didn't understand how she could carry it. Sam placed his hand on Paul's shoulder, which helped ground him. He took a few moments to breathe, and Sam dropped his hand once he was satisfied with Paul calming down.

Sam crossed his arms, looking at Jay, "Kid seemed nervous when I first got here." Paul nodded, waving for Jay to come out. Jay threw open the door, jogging to the porch. "You okay?"

Jay smiled at Sam, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. Seems Nurse Norris should be asked that, and I swore I saw his scrubs darken." Paul couldn't find it in himself to laugh. "By the way, where is my sister?"

"She fell asleep at my house... you up for a sleepover?" Paul murmured, not wanting to leave him here. He didn't like knowing that Norris could drop by at any time. Jay nodded enthusiastically, "go pack a bag." He ran inside, letting the screen door slam shut. "He's like a puppy... speaking of a puppy, how's ours doing? Have the laws been drilled into his mind?"

"Didn't think you would ask. Quil will continue to learn them," Sam stood taller, looking back at Laryssa's house. Paul listened to Jay humming to himself as he packed the bag. "Embry and Jacob are with him, and he will change back soon. He is remorseful." Paul tried his best to hold onto Laryssa's words of it not being his fault.

He knew it wasn't Quil's fault. He could recall how Quil felt when he came to his senses. Paul saw Quil's warm memories of Laryssa and how worried she was when she saw him in the rain and when she checked his temperature. He felt the guilt Quil did when he got upset at her and tried to attack her. "I was angry at the time and couldn't even think of trying to let it go. I know it is not his fault. Right now, it is hard to not blame him, even if she doesn't."

"I don't expect you to forgive right away. I am glad you are trying," Sam rubbed his face, putting a smile on his face when Jay came out. "Make sure you lock up. Emily said that she made extras before I left. Do you want me to bring you food?"

"Sure," Jay grinned, hiking his bag over his shoulder. "That sounds nice, so Rys doesn't have to cook tonight."

"You both are bad at cooking," Sam didn't try and hold the grin when Jay's ears started turning red. Sam ruffled Jay's hair, "I'll bring it by. Don't be embarrassed about not being good at cooking. I didn't know either until Emily."

"I can make eggs now because Laryssa taught me," Paul added, taking his bag from Jay's shoulder.

"So learn from someone I love," Jay murmured, swinging his arms back and forth. Jay took the keys from his pockets. "I guess you'll know when I found the person I love since I'll be able to cook."

"You said it, not me," Paul took the keys from him, urging him to walk down the steps. Jay tried to elbow him, and Paul caught him before he could hurt himself. "Thanks, Sam."

Sam nodded, walking with them down the porch steps. "See you soon." He glanced to the right of their house, and Paul could hear the low growls.

Jay bounded to the driver's side, grinning widely at Paul. "You said-"

"With my truck and your sister's permission. We don't have either," Paul nudged him towards the passenger side. "You gotta do your puppy eyes for your sister if you don't think she will go for it. But I need her permission, and then I will teach you."

"Wimp... you're scared of her," Jay whined, moving to the passenger side. Paul shot him an incredulous look; fear had nothing to do with it. Jay got in, and Paul knew he had to try and get his point across without being a complete ass.

He rubbed his face, getting into the car. Paul adjusted the seat, "I'm not scared of your sister. I love your sister, and I respect her. She is your guardian, and she loves you a lot, so that means her giving you permission to drive."

"Okay," Jay murmured, leaning against the seat. "You know, at first, I really hated the idea of you with my sister. But now, I am so glad she didn't listen to me. I know John said it already, but Danny, our dad, would've loved and approved of you." Paul stayed silent and thought of the portrait of the man he ruined, and because of that, it brought him and Laryssa together and gave him a new family. He hoped their dad would approve; at times, he didn't think he was worthy of their family. "I know this will probably sound stupid, but thank you for coming. That guy, Norris, scares my sister; if she's nervous, that makes me nervous. He's not going to come around again, is he?" Jay lowered his head, digging his nails into his jeans.

As much as Paul wanted to promise that he wouldn't, he couldn't be with them all the time. "I hope not, but if he does. Call me, Sam or one of the others." Jay nodded, and Paul reached over, putting his hand on his neck, and all he could think was how bad of a brother he was. "It's not stupid, Jay; we are family. You are my family, and as family, we protect each other. I'll always come." Jay lifted his head, nodding. Paul wanted to tell him that they would have to tell Laryssa, but he couldn't get the words out. Jay didn't know why, and it wasn't up for Paul to share it.

"Now I feel bad for pushing you in the mud," Jay complained, looking out the window. "If it helps my case, Seth was the one who dared me."

Paul barked out a laugh, pushing Jay's head away. "It doesn't." He turned on the car, backing out of the driveway. Jay grinned, pulling his legs up to his chest.

5:43 p.m. Lahote House, La Push, Washington

Paul pulled up to his house, seeing nothing different. He listened, hearing Laryssa still sleeping. Paul felt the extensive weariness come back and wanted to lay beside Laryssa and sleep. He didn't have patrol for the next two days and thanked the ancestors for a break. Paul got out, grabbed Jay's bag and beckoned him inside. He opened the door, feeling the chill in the air. "Hey, Sam! That was quick!"

Paul glanced over his shoulder, eyeing Sam with containers. Jay ran over to him, getting them from him.

Paul listened to Jay murmur what seemed like a thousand words of gratitude. He held up his hand and saw Sam wave back. "Give the chef my gratitude."

"She said to come by tomorrow. All of you," Sam ruffled Jay's hair again, and Jay smiled, holding the container up to sniff it closer. Paul could smell the pot roast and mashed potatoes from where he stood. Paul nodded, glancing back at the house when he heard Laryssa whimper as she turned in the bed. "Head inside... see you tomorrow."

Paul set Jay's bag by the door, helping Jay with the containers. "It smells so good." He set them down on the table, looking around Paul's home. He held up the melted bag of peas before setting it back down. "Where is Rys?"

He gestured to his room, and before Paul could tell him to wait, Jay moved to the room and threw open the door, letting it bang against the wall. Jay sprinted to the bed, and Paul grabbed him before he could jump. Laryssa sat up, putting her hand on her injured side to protect herself, "I was having a good sleep." If she wasn't trying to protect herself, he would tell her how adorable she looked half-asleep with a significantly bad bedhead and drool on the side of her face.

"Why'd you stop me," Jay eyed her suspiciously, removing himself from Paul's grip to sit on the bed. He fixed her sleep shirt to cover her shoulder, "What's wrong with you?"

"Just some minor scrapes. One of the rez dogs got lost and sneaked up behind me, and Jared grabbed me so I didn't get bitten. But I ended up rolling onto some sharp rocks and branches, so I'm sore," She smiled, petting her hair, and wiping her cheek. He was glad that she slept deeply, and he could see the intentions on her face as she moved to lay back on the bed.

"I guess getting body slammed by Jared is a good reason to be sore," Jay pulled the blanket up to her. "You hungry?" She shook her head, glancing at Paul. He could tell she wanted to go back to sleep, but he could hear her stomach grumbling.

"You should eat," Paul said, sitting by her legs, squeezing them. "Emily cooked, and it's still warm."

"It smells so good," Jay tried to entice her, and she sighed, knowing she had to eat. "Let's sit at the table like a family!"

"You just want to punish me, don't you," She sat up again, ruffling his hair.

"Bet you're wanting those peas now," Paul grinned, getting up, offering her his hand. She glowered at him, using Jay's shoulder to push herself up.

"Tag teaming the injured," Laryssa murmured as she moved to the kitchen. They followed her, watching her get a bag of corn out of the freezer. She gingerly set it on her side, glancing at them when they didn't talk, "What? Do I look bad?" Paul wanted to scoff at her. Her dark hair was wild and swallowed in his clothes, yet she was breathtaking.

"You look beautiful."

"You look awful."

Paul gently slapped the back of Jay's head, ignoring his snort. He was being a pain in the ass and trying to get a rise out of her, but Paul could see she wouldn't give in. Laryssa rolled her eyes, "such a punk." Jay grinned at her, moving to stand next to her as he laid his head on her shoulder. "What happened?"

"How do you know?" He mumbled, moving to hug her arm to him. Paul watched the siblings, noticing Jay's clinginess.

She laid her head on his, her answer simple, "I know you. Talk to me." Jay let her go, and Laryssa moved slowly, putting her hand on his chin, and Jay refused to look at her. She glanced at Paul, and he shook his head, silently telling her they would talk later. "Okay," she let him go, ruffling his hair. "If we sit at the table as a family, we will go all out. Plates, forks, knives, cups, and after we are done, we will wash them all together," Laryssa smiled at him, "sound good?"

"Sounds good," Paul said, moving so he could wrap his arms around them both. He could get used to the normalcy of a family dinner. "Jay?" Laryssa rested her head on his shoulder.

"Sounds good," He squeezed Paul's arm. Ducking under, turning to ruffle through the cabinets.

9:43 p.m. Lahote House, La Push, Washington

Paul unraveled the blanket, taking care to make sure Jay was covered. "I can still move him to the bed," Paul glanced at Laryssa as she leaned against the doorframe.

She grinned softly, staring down at Jay. "He will be okay," She reassured, moving closer. He held out his arm, letting her fit easily into her side. "He looks so young," Laryssa bent down, tucking him in. She straightened, wincing slightly.

"Sore?" She hummed, confirming, resting her head on his chest. Paul leaned down, picking her up, smiling when she grumbled under her breath about how he babied her. Even with her grumbling, she didn't try to get out of his arms, and he could see her biting her lip to keep from smiling. He pressed his lips to her hair, inhaling their scent. "I love you, so let me take care of you..."

Laryssa settled in his arms, tucking her face into the crook of his neck, her eyelashes brushing against his neck. "I love you too." Paul crawled on the bed with her, setting her on her side, and she laid down, smiling at him. He leaned back, turning the light off. Paul laid beside her, adjusting himself on the bed, before pulling her to him. He felt her smile against his skin, and she made herself comfortable. She burrowed her face closer to him. Paul knew he had to tell her and hated that he would add to her worry, but he couldn't hide it from her. He figured it was best to rip the bandaid off, "Norris went to your house, and Sam sent him away. Jay's okay."

Laryssa stiffened, and her fingers started to curl themselves into a fist. Paul moved quickly, linking their hands together to keep her from digging her nails into her palm. "Does Jay-"

"No...I didn't tell him, and I won't." He felt her try to relax, "my brothers will know, and I can't keep it from them."

"I know," Her voice was soft as she let out a deep sigh, squeezing his hand. "Paul, it's all in the past, and I just want to move forward. I don't want Jay to know and don't want to do anything about it."

Paul turned to face her, letting go of her hands. "Babe-"

"Please don't," Laryssa whispered, tucking her hands across her chest. "I...I..."

"Okay," He reached forward, putting his hand on her cheek. A shiver tore through his body when he thought of Norris. Her hand reached out to him, settling over his heart, and he felt himself start to calm. "I threatened him, and I saw the fear in his eyes when I yanked his scrubs. Use me if he comes near you, threaten him that I will cause him harm. Or call me or call my brothers. Do not do this alone, please," Paul urged, trying to be as gentle as he could. She stayed silent, "promise me," He tried not to let it bother him when his voice cracked. "Please."

"I promise," She grabbed his hand, holding it close to her. "Promise me you will not hurt him. I need you with me." He didn't want to promise it. He stayed silent, and he heard her shuttered breath. "Paul Lahote."

"How can I promise that," He whispered harshly. Paul wanted to yell. To have her see reason. She sat up, staring down at him, the moonlight reflecting her anxiety. "Why do you want me to promise that?"

Laryssa looked away when he sat up. He wanted her to look at him, and he moved closer to her. "I know you struggle with your anger. What would've happened if Sam wasn't there?" He stayed silent, and she stared down at her hands. He knew he would've lost control. "I love you, but I don't want you to hurt him or anyone because of me."

"Why are you building these barriers," Paul moved so she would look at him. Laryssa kept her gaze down, and he needed her to look at him. "Why won't you let me protect you? You always talk about how you would bring someone to their knees for me, so why can't I do the same? Tell me, what is so different? He hurt you, and you tried to end it all. He deserves to hurt and to feel pain."

She didn't speak, and the silence started making him crazy. He felt like an ass for rushing her. Paul rested his hand near her. "There isn't a day when I don't want him to hurt or to feel the pain he caused me. I hate him," She finally looked at him, and he couldn't help himself as he moved closer to her. "The last thing I want is to create a barrier," She sniffed, wiping her face. Paul reached out, cupping her face, "if you hurt him or bring him to his knees, I'm scared I will lose you, and I need you with me."

Paul rested his head against her. He would promise "Pto her, "I promise." He settled her closer to him, wrapping himself around her. She let her body sink against his, "I didn't mean to be an ass," guilt rushed through his body.

"Guess you can't be one on Sunday since you used it today," Laryssa murmured, taking his hand and kissing it, and he let the guilt go. He squeezed her gently, smiling when he heard her laugh.

Paul gently maneuvered her with him, so they could lay more comfortably on the bed. "I'll be extra nice on Sunday then. I'll make you breakfast and give you kisses. Whatever you want."

He let his fingers scratch her back gently, and she left out a soft sigh. "Will you let me do your makeup?" He stopped scratching her back, letting out a displeased groan. Paul let his limbs grow heavy as he closed his eyes, trying to get out of the dreaded makeup. Laryssa sat up, straddling his waist, peering closer to him, "It will be fun..." He pretended to be asleep, letting out a fake snore. Laryssa peered closer to him, and he tried not to let his mind wander about how warm and close she was to him. Laryssa pressed her lips to his cheek, and he kept his eyes closed. "Is my baby asleep?" She murmured, pressing her lips to his other cheek. She tried to sit up, and he snaked his arms around her keeping her pressed to him. Laryssa tucked her face against his neck, and he relished in her weight pressed against him. He ran his fingers against her back, letting his fingers trail against her skin, and skimmed the top of his old sweats.

"We get to go to Emily's tomorrow," Paul murmured, feeling her lips press open kisses against his neck. Laryssa hummed, and he let his fingers dig into her skin when she started sucking. He bit his lip to keep from groaning. "Fuck." She pulled away, lightly blowing on her work. Paul knew it wouldn't be there come morning, but it didn't stop him from feeling the heat that she was claiming him as hers. He shivered, tangling his hand in her hair, roughly pulling her lips to his. Laryssa whimpered, reaching for his hand that stroked her skin, and she pulled it, interlocking their fingers, grounding herself closer to him. He rolled his body up, meeting hers, swallowing her pretty sounds. He could feel her trying to restrain them. Paul released her hair, flipping her so she was lying underneath him. She grimaced, and he stopped, remembering how her body must be in pain. He rested his head against hers, panting lightly, "Sorry, baby."

"No," She tried to keep him pressed close, "It's okay. We can-"

He hovered above her, grinning down at her. "I'm not going to leave you unable to walk; that would be cruel." Her breath stuttered, and he felt the shiver go through her body. "I'm going to take proper care of you. Love you the way you deserve," he pressed a kiss to the side of her lip. He leaned down, brushing his lips against her ear, tugging gently on her ear lobe, "I want to hear you properly, not keeping any sounds muffled."

Laryssa reached up, tangling her fingers in the nape of his neck. She yanked him down roughly, and he had to catch himself. Laryssa took care not to touch their lips, "I'll let you hear me, but only if you promise I can hear you."

Paul swallowed hard, feeling the blood rush down below. "You are driving me insane." She was making it very hard to stop. She grinned at him, "I promise." He grabbed her hand that kept him anchored to her, and she let go. He would keep getting blue balled if they kept on, and his brothers would never let him hear the end of it. "I'll be back," He got up, ignoring her grabby hands as she sat up with him. "Go to sleep, my heart." He walked to the restroom, hearing her groan and throwing herself back on the bed. Paul took a few deep breaths and closed the door, telling himself to be patient. He looked back at the door and told himself it was a bad idea to go back out. Paul busied himself with turning on the shower; a cold one would help him calm down. He grinned in the mirror, touching the red mark. He didn't want to see it go.