Chapter 15: Bleeding Love
Previously on Naked and Afraid:
It was then Paul stood. Holding his hand out for Bella to take.
"Got to take the rental car back. Do you want to come ?" he questioned her.
"Please…" she practically begged.
…..
"Hey, why don't we hold off on any trips? I mean, you just got back, Bella." Charlie interrupted.
"And Paul, have you talked to your father? He has been very concerned about you." Billy jumped in.
"Dad, I won't be out for long and it would be nice to get some fresh air after all of this information overload."
Charlie sighed in annoyance and said, "Well at least take your coat."
"I will Dad."
As soon as Bella had her coat she practically ran out the front door.
" Bags?" Paul questioned as he popped open the truck.
"Well... I..was wondering... If you could keep them. Kind of like a prelude to moving in?" she asked as she toed the ground.
Paul leaned down and rubbed his cheek against hers.
"Mmmm. You have no idea how happy that makes us. Come on let's get out of here."
…
Charlie watched his daughter hug the giant shapeshifter before they eventually drove off.
"Sam?" he questioned.
"Yes sir."
"Should I be concerned? Because im feeling concerned. That boy… I don't trust him. I've seen his record."
"You have every right to be concerned Charlie. The boy is dangerous and he shouldn't be around Bella." Billy interjected.
"Waoh, woah,woah, that's slow down their chiefs. Paul is dangerous, I admit that but.. The only times he ever lashed out was if other people provoked him. He's never given me any problems, he's always done what I ask of him and fulfilled his duties. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to go gather the pack and tell them that Bella's home. I think a bonfire next week or two should be in order."
With that said, Sam left the two chiefs to think.
…..
"Paul? How are we getting back home? Not that I mind riding you in more ways than one but we still have our bags" Bella explained as Paul returned the keys to the rental specialist.
Paul purred as he pulled her closer.
"You don't mind riding me eh?"
Bella couldn't help but blush as the rental specialist sputtered.
"I mean.. No! Yes! But focus Paul." she laughed as she gently slapped his bicep.
" Don't worry kitten. I got my truck in the parking lot. You feel like staying out a little longer?"
"With you? Of course!"
…..
As the couple was speeding down the roadway, Paul spoke.
"Talk to me. What's on your mind?" he rumbled
Bella fidgeted with her seat belt and sighed.
"I haven't been home that long and the supernatural is already weighing down on us. I mean I don't mind Sam imprinting on me, he's always been like a big brother to me but… I panicked because yes I felt bad for Leah but I was also thinking about myself. If all it took was looking into someone's eyes for your world to crumble what would happen to us? And im ok now… but at the moment I thought I was going to lose you. I… I love you, Paul. You are my best friend, you light up my world when I see you. I feel safe and protected and I trust you with everything I am and the thought of losing you scares me."
Paul didn't respond instead with gentle fingers he threaded his fingers through her hair.
" take a detour with me," he told her.
"O-ok.."
…..
Bella gasped as Paul drove them to the farthest part of the reservation, pulling onto a long dirt road that revealed the most beautiful house she had ever seen.
It was a black and wooden barn dominium house. Hidden in a vast forest.
"Woah! Paul this is amazing," she exclaimed.
Paul didn't respond as he opened her passenger side door and picked her up bridal.
Style
"P-Paul!? What are you doing?".
"Carrying my mate over the threshold." he purred.
Bella couldn't help but smile and lean into Paul's touch.
She tried to look around as Paul opened the door but he was moving so fast she couldn't see.
"Grand tour later.." he growled as he began to nibble on her neck.
Bella moaned.
Something told her she wouldn't be leaving Paul's home for a while.
….
When Bella came to the room, it was dark and all was silent. She turned and smiled as the moonlight hit Paul in just the right light.
His hair was sprawled on his pillowcase and his chest rose up and down silently.
Once again, a wave of love hit Bella hard as she looked at this man. He was beautiful.
His soul was beautiful and he was hers. All hers and she was his.
Wanting to make him feel appreciated, Bella crept down the stairs and into the kitchen, the smell of pinesol reached her nose as she looked over the very clean and organized kitchen.
The kitchen itself was the chef's dream. Paul had all the fancy pots and pans a girl could dream of.
Disappointment filled her however as she found the fridge completely empty.
Of course, the fridge was empty, Paul had been away from home for a whole year, so he wouldn't have had the time to restock. Both of them had just gotten home last night.
Bella bit her lip as she made a decision. Looking around for a clock, she saw that it was only 8 pm and that gave her an hour exactly to get to the general store.
…
"Hey, Dad." Bella greeted her father as he answered his phone. She was currently shopping at the Ateara General store for a few items she needed.
"Bells! Where in the world are you? It's late!" he chided.
"Dad, it's only 8 pm. I'll be home around 10:30 or 11."
"11? That's really late bells! Are you still with Paul? Bella, you need to come home." Her father ordered.
"..dad, I promise I will, and im still on the reservation. So I'm ok and yes im still with Paul. He and I are going to have dinner and then I'll be home. But tomorrow I promise you im all yours besides, we can maybe go to the lodge for dinner or watch one of your games."
"I don't mind you being out and about baby girl but you got home last night. And next thing I know you're running out of the house. I just-i just don't want to lose you again baby girl."
Bella sighed. She had only been home for a day and yet the reality of it all was weighing her. Her poor father, she had been taken from his life overnight. Worrying about whether she was still breathing or if she was some nomad vampire.
She would make sure to give her father the attention he deserved.
Once she had all her items, Bella headed to the checkout counter and gasped at who was sitting there.
"QUIL?"
Quil looked up from his magazine with wide eyes as his mouth dropped.
"BELLA!" he exclaimed as he hopped over the counter and spun her around, giving her a giant bear hug.
"Oof, Quil, I gotta breathe.." she gasped.
"Crap! Sorry! Im just freaking happy to see you Bells! We knew you were coming, but we didn't know when! Wait.. what are you doing here? And yuck… why do you smell like Paul freak?"
"First off all Quil do not call him a freak. He saved my life and killed victoria. He's the reason why im breathing. If it handt been for him, i would be dead. Now i was here grabbing some ingriedients for dinner.I am so happy to see you and I would love to spend time talking with you but im kind of in a rush."
"Rush?" Quil questioned.
"Yep. gotta make dinner."
"Ok, Ill tell you what, you go and take the groceroes free of charge. As long you give me a plate of whatever your going to make." Quil suggested as he wiggled his eyebrows.
Bella laughed and shook her head.
"Of course that would be your bargain quil. Fine. ill make you a bowl."
"YES! I love you bella! Can i atleast escort you home?"
" I love you too and no im actually cooking for Paul. so i have go. Bye Quil."
"Wait! Ill help you put the groceries in the car!"
As Bella and Quil came out the store, Quil growled as a presence appred out of the darkness.
Bella turned and smiled.
"Paul!? You were supposed to still be asleep. I wanted to surprise you." she said as she approached the were.
Instead of speaking,Paul leaned down and carefully picked up the groceries. Placing them in his truck.
"Ready to go?" he questioned.
"Always. See you later Quil." she waved as Paul helped her into the truck.
Quil however could only stare in shock.
What the heck was happening.
…..
"I didnt mean to scare you Paul. I wanted to make you a nice dinner to show you i appreciate you." Bella explained as they entered the house.
Paul chuckled behind her as he sat the groceries down and gribbed her hips gently.
"Wasnt scared. I knew where you were. I always know where you are kitten.I was just curious as to what you were coming up with." he said as he nuzzled into her neck.
Bella played with his hair as she soaked up his scent.
It brought her a sense of peace.
"So i was thinking…" she began.
"Hmmm?" he questioned.
Bella reached pulling Pauls shades up and gazed into icey blue eyes.
"After weve settled in, could i … maybe stay on weekend or something?"
Paul raised a brow at her question.
"Well, i mean… i dont want to just invade your space..i-"
Paul cut her off with low growl.
"This is your space kitten. Yours, mine, ours. Your my mate. All i have is yours. You dont ever have to ask and this is the last time i will tell you. Your my wife, i am your husband. Whenever you want to come home, just do it. Ive only been patient becuase i know its sensitve matter betwen you and your sire. Understand.."
"I do. Im sorry. Its just… its hard. I now dad misses me and i want to give him my time but.. At the same time… i miss you. Its hard to sleep without you by my side you know."
"Same… ill give you a few shirts to take with you. The scent helps." he told her.
"'Oh yeah, i didnt get to ask." bella began as she turned to cook. " how are things with you? Did.. you see anybody? Your dad? By any chance."
"Went to my job. I do part time this week, go back full time next week. Havent seen the man yet and i dodnt care too. Need to get with Sam about my patrol schedule. Same old, same old." he told her as he leaned against the corner.
"Anything i can help with?" she asked quietly.
"Just keep doing what your doing kitten. You being here is enough." more then enough. I know i dont say much.. But… you mean everything thing to me. Please dont forget that. Now lets pick a movie for dinner."
Bella felt her heart soar.
Her presence was enough.
She was enough.
For Paul.. She was more then enough.
….
"Oh no…" Bella groaned as they pulled up to see charlie standing on the front porch.
Before they could get out charlie was knocking on the drivers side window.
"Mr. lahote, i would like a word with you."
Bella was quick to get out the truck and stand between her father and husband.
"Dad.." she warned.
"Now relax bells. Im not going to yell or anything. I just have something to say to Paul."
Paul wrapped hand around Bella's waist and gently pulled her to the side. He then stopped closer to her father looking down on him. An eyebrow raised in question.
Charlie cleared his throat and looked paul squarely in the eye.
"I want to thank you. Thank you for saving my little girls life. I am in debt to you! So.. thank you."
Charlie then stuck his hand out for Paul to shake.
Bella watched in awe as her mouth fell was the last thing she expected.
Paul sniffed in amusement and smiled flashing a set of pearly whites as he shook charlie's hand.
"Pleasure." was the only thing he said.
Paul then turned to give her a hug and then made his way to the truck. However Bella stopped him.
"Paul.. wait."
He turned a look of curiosity on his face. Bella was quick to grab his hand and pull him towards her father.
"Dad… thiers something we need to tell you. Its going to be a shock but i just hope you can be happy for us. Paul… he loves me and i .. love him. So we wanted to tell you that…Paul and i are married."