Speechless
Chapter 1
His onyx eyes watched her from a distance through the trees. She
stood on the cliffs as she held the camera up to her eye and snapped almost a
thousand pictures of clouds, trees, grass, the oceans as it crashed against the
cliffs, rocks and boulders in the sand below on the beach, even the rocks and
boulders in the green grass on the cliffs. When the wind picked up her scent
was carried through the trees and it hit his snout like a ton of bricks. She
smelled like gardenias. The scent was so strong it made all the fur on his over
large body stand up. He inhaled deeply.
He watched as the breeze blew her long honey blonde locks around the curves of
her body. She had curvy hips and he watched as her chest moved up and down as
she breathed softly, taking in the ocean scent. A couple of times her eyes had
wondered towards the trees. He shook his fur out as he pried his eyes from her
beautiful form. Emily would have his ass if he was late for dinner. It was
almost worth it. He inhaled one more time as the scent of gardenia's
intoxicated his senses as he slowly turned and took off to Emily and Sam's. He
could only hope she'd still be there after he finished his meal.
Paul stepped out of the tree line in front of Emily and Sam's house as he
tugged on his navy blue cargo shorts. As he walked barefoot up the back steps
of the porch to Sam and Emily's. This was the one place that had remained a
consistent in his life since he was sixteen and started phasing. He had
inherited his mother's house when she passed from cancer. He shook his head of
thoughts of his mom as he walked in the back door and saw all his pack brothers
turn their eyes towards him. He smirked at them as he plopped down into a chair
at the table.
Jared chewed his food as he watched Paul plop down into his chair and stare off
into space while he tugged on his bottom lip with his thumb and index finger,
"What is up with you bro?" Paul quirked his eye brow, "Hmm?"
Jared's eyebrows shot up in question,
"What...Is...Wrong...With...You?"
The rest of their pack brothers around the tables laughed at their exchange.
Paul glared, "Watch it pups." Jared chuckled, "What's got your
shorts in a bunch man? You come walking in here all quiet and shit. You're he
loudest of us all. What gives?" Paul shook his head, "I don't know. I
feel weird today."
Paul eyed the plate of food that Emily had sat down in front of him warily as
he pushed the plate away from in front of his position at the kitchen table as
he stood up and walked to the back door.
"Paul..." Emily's voice stopped him in his tracks as he looked back,
"Yes Em?" She frowned as she looked at the plate on the table and
then back to Paul's eyes that looked distant and were increasing in distance
the longer he stood there, "Aren't you going to eat?" Paul shook his
head, "I'm not hungry Em. Will you keep it in the oven for me?"
Emily blinked a few times as she nodded slowly, "Sure...Let me know if you
get hungry, I can warm it up when you're ready." Paul nodded solemnly,
"Thanks. I'm gonna go finish patrol." As he walked out of the house
closing the door behind him.
Jared swallowed the bit of food in his mouth as he exhaled hard, "Okay we
have a serious problem." Jake, Embry and Quil looked up from their plates,
with questioning eyes as Jared made a face, "HELLO! Paul just turned down
food. Does anyone else find this even remotely strange?" Embry screwed up
his face as he scoffed, "Paul's just being Paul. He's always been the lone
angry wolf."
Jake and Quil nodded in agreement. Ever since the guys started phasing Paul's
temper had been out of control, but now that he was older he had better control
of it unless they were patrolling. Paul was usually an ass making side comments
and being a dick all the time. It was just who he was. When the guys started
imprinting Paul announced to everyone he didn't want to imprint because he
didn't want to become a whipped pussy like the rest of the guys in the pack.
Seth quirked an eyebrow, "Maybe he's sick or something."
Jared suddenly chuckled, "Oh he's sick or something."
All the eyes at the table were suddenly on Jared as he continued to chuckle to
himself. Leah growled, "Care to enlighten us dickhead?" Jared snapped
a glare towards Leah as he cleared his throat, "Think about it. He was
acting funny as soon as he walked in and he didn't eat."
Sam's eyebrows shot up, "You're not thinking he..." as Sam trailed
off when Emily leaned against his shoulder, he arm wound around her waist on
its own accord. Emily smiled, "You don't really think..." She inhaled
as the same thought ran through her mind as she smiled as she bit her bottom
lip.
Jared nodded as he laughed harder, "He imprinted."
Paul had phased the second he hit the tree line and ran at top speeds back to
the cliffs. is prayers were answered when he returned and saw the girl still
there, she was laying with her back flat in the grass and her feet were propped
up on a rock as she continued to snap pictures left and right. Her hair was
pooled around her, she looked incredibly comfortable and completely in her
element.
Paul laid down under a bush as close to her as possible, surprised his big body
was actually completely concealed by the bush. He had to admit he'd practically
been stalking her since he'd imprinted on her. He'd been keeping it from his
pack brothers. He didn't want to imprint. He hated the thought of it. Not being
allowed to choose his own soul mate in life and being pushed to be with a
stranger or friend whoever the Quileute God's picked for him.
For the last few weeks since he'd imprinted on her he was pissed off. He had
been happy with his life up until this point. He dated whoever he wanted and
had small flings and didn't stay attached to anyone. He liked it that way. Now
suddenly this stranger moves into town and he's suddenly connected to her in
every way and doesn't even know her name. He stifled a growl as he sat and
thought about it. But his imprint moving caught his attention as he slowly pushed
himself forward with his back legs and belly crawled and tried to creep closer
when his big front paw snapped a twig he stilled his movements.
He watched as her beautiful face turned towards his hidden position and he was
suddenly aware his onyx eyes were locked onto her deep violet eyes. How does
one even acquire purple eyes? What the hell?
Their eye contact was broken when Paul not only her heard someone chuckling in
his head, but several someone's chuckling in his head and groaned inwardly when
he was aware it was the whole pack.
'Dude I can't believe you finally imprinted!' Jared's hyper voice
squeaked out.
'Hey she's a hottie man! She doesn't look like no
Quileute though.' Seth piped in. Paul growled, 'Keep your eyes
to yourself and off my imprint pup!'
'Gross...She's a pale face you ignoramus.' Leah gagged out.
Jake scowled in Leah's general direction, 'It doesn't matter if she's a
pale face or a Quileute. Clearly she's supposed to be with him if he imprinted
on her.'
Paul's eyes turned back to where his imprint had been standing and she was
gone. Paul growled, 'Leave me alone!' They felt Paul phase
out, knowing he was either going to follow his imprint in human form or go home
and ignore his pack brother's for the remainder of the night.
Jared shook his head knowing Paul wouldn't follow her. He'd be stubborn and
lock himself away in his house until he had to patrol next.
Chapter 2
Jared chuckled as he grabbed the spare key from Paul's front steps.
There was a hook on the back of the steps where the spare key would hang. Jared
unlocked the door and pocketed the key and set a mental reminder to put it back
when he left. Jared walked into the living room, finding Paul laying face down
across the black leather couch. Paul heard him come in. Had it been anyone but
Jared he'd have removed them physically from his house.
Paul's eyes followed Jared as he walked by and sat on the other couch, Paul
scoffed, "What do you want?" Jared chuckled as he rested his elbows on
his knees, "Trying to figure out why you didn't tell anyone you
imprinted." Paul growled, "That's my business." Jared reached
over and flicked Paul's calf with a thick rubber band, Paul stood up with a
quick growl and threw a glare at Jared. Jared's eyebrows shot up as he stood
chest to chest with Paul.
Jared frained hurt, "Dude we've been best
friends since we were what ten years old?" Paul shrugged as he sat back
down the glare not leaving his face, "I don't know...probably...What about
it? What are you getting at?" Jared scoffed, "What I'm getting at, is
you totally imprinted on some pale face stranger and you didn't even tell me or
the rest of the pack. Hell screw the rest of the pack, you didn't tell me and
you know everything about my damn life up until today."
Paul growled as he tried to keep his temper in check, "I don't know what
the fuck to do Jared! I don't even know this girl. She's a damn stranger, but
because I locked eyes with her for three seconds, when she was moving into her
house, suddenly I'm connected to some lame girl."
Jared quirked his eyebrow, "Lame girl? Really? Because from what I saw in
your head she's beautiful. And I know you think she is too or you wouldn't have
kept imprinting on her a secret. I know you didn't want to imprint, but you had
to of known you was going to do it eventually. You like her or you wouldn't be
hiding in bushes or skipping meals to see her."
Paul huffed knowing Jared had a valid point. She was beautiful. She wasn't just
some lame girl. She was his imprint damn it. He could feel the pull and hated
it with every fiber of his being. He didn't want to be connected to a stranger.
He didn't want to be connected to anyone at all. He just wanted to continue
life just being himself Paul Redson. Dater, Wolf,
Protector, Vampire killer extraordinaire.
Paul scoffed loudly as he continued to glare at Jared, "I hate it when
you're right." Jared chuckled, "Man why are you fighting imprinting
so bad? She's supposed to be your soul mate...I don't understand you sometimes
bro." Paul made a face, "That makes two of us. I just hate the fact
that I can't make up my own damn mind if I want to be with someone or not. I
don't like that imprinting forces us to fall for someone who we may or may not
be destined to be with if we weren't furry freaks."
Jared scoffed, "Think about it this way. I ignored Kim for YEARS. I didn't
know she existed. Hell I didn't even know a good thing was staring me in the
eyes when I had it. I would've never known about Kim if I hadn't phased and
then imprinted on her. She's the best damn thing in my life. I don't care if
that's the imprinting talking or my heart. But I love her and I wouldn't trade
her for anything in the world. You have to believe what Emily said is true,
that imprinting is a nudge in the right direction. You was destined to be with
this girl. Even if you wasn't a furry freak. You was meant to be with her and
the sooner you accept that the easier life will be for you from now on."
Jared shoved Paul's shoulder as he stood from the couch and walked towards the
front door as he stopped and looked back at Paul, "Just think about what I
said bro. And don't forget about the picnic at the beach tomorrow." Paul
growled, "Just don't forget to put the damn spare key back and let me
worry about my own life." Jared shook his head as he left closing the
front door behind him.
Paul growled out in frustration as he combed his fingers through his hair
roughly. Why now? Why did he have to imprint now? He was having a perfectly
good life without imprinting. He could go and do anything he wanted. Date and
screw whoever he wanted. Now all he could think about was HER for the last few
weeks. She'd been living in La Push for a month now and it infuriated him. SHE
infuriated him. She was quiet and kept to herself, she didn't bother anyone or
go anywhere but the cliffs. HIS cliffs damn it. Those were the cliffs that him
and the pack jump off of. He didn't know her name or age; hell she could've
been a lesbian for all he knew.
Paul couldn't stop pacing. He'd been this way since he imprinted on her. He'd
been hiding his thoughts on her for so long, especially when he was phased. He
didn't want the other pack members to know he'd imprinted. He was sure to be
teased about it until the end of time. Definitely more so since he'd advised
everyone he didn't want to imprint. Why does fate do this to people? You don't
want to do something in life and then fate comes along giving you the finger
and makes you do it anyways. Maybe it wasn't fate but karma. Man he could
really give karma a kick in the ass right about now.
Paul huffed out a sigh as he emerged from the tree line at the beach and saw
Emily, Kim (Jared's imprint), Claire (Quil's
imprint), Tina (Seth's Imprint) setting everything up as Sam, Jared, and Jake
were setting up the long folding table and chairs up. He looked over and saw
Seth, Collin, Brady and Embry throwing the football around as Leah kept to
herself like always. The guys constantly gave her shit about always thinking
about Sam. She couldn't help it. Honestly, it wasn't her fault she was in love
with and dating Sam before he started phasing and then suddenly he imprinted on
Emily. Her own cousin. Wow even that left a bad taste in Paul's mouth.
Paul walked up as Emily's bright brown eyes connected with his as she walked
over and touched his forearm, he leaned over knowing she couldn't reach him as
he accepted her kiss on the cheek and she hugged him around the neck tight,
"I can't believe you finally imprinted." Paul scoffed as he returned
the hug with one arm, "It's not that great Em." Emily pulled back as
she frowned, "Don't say that Paul...Please don't. I know you didn't want
to but it happens for a reason. You never know she may turn out to be the love
of your life. Stop being so stubborn."
Paul sighed heavily as he nodded, "I promise nothing." Emily ruffled
his already messy hair as she nodded, "I accept that answer...for now at
least. Go annoy your brothers." Paul chuckled as he jogged off and joined
the football game.
Before too long Jake had joined the football game along with Jared and Sam.
Paul looked up and noticed Jake was going to throw deep. Paul took off running
as he looked back the ball was coming right to him as he jumped up and caught
the ball he came down and rolled to a stop. He heard an audible gasp, as his
head snapped up and he was suddenly aware he'd rolled to a stop in front of
those damn violet eyes.
Their eyes connected as he felt his breath hitch in his throat. Her camera was
in her hands like always, they were about 5 feet from each other. Out of
nowhere the guys dog piled on Paul as the girl with
the violet eyes squeaked out of surprise.
Chapter 3
Emily's head snapped up when she heard an audible yelp. She looked
over and noticed the guys were all piled on Paul in front of a girl who was
laying in the sand, she had her hand over her mouth and a camera was sitting on
her stomach. As she slowly walked over towards the girl and the guys.
Paul pushed up with his arms and shoved all his pack brothers off of him as he
looked over at his imprint and noticed she was laying back in the sand with her
hand over her mouth and he saw a single tear slide down off her cheek and into
the sand. Paul scampered over to where she was laying as he hesitated at first
and then looked down and noticed Brady's elbow had crashed into her bare foot
and it was already turning blue. Paul's eyes filled with worry as his eyes
searched for Emily when he found her he frowned, "Em...Come quick."
Emily jogged over as she knelt down she noticed Paul's hands were shaking, as
she reached over and touched his hands, "Calm down." Paul nodded as
he carefully reached out and touched her shoulder, "Are you okay? I'm so
sorry." Emily softly touched the girls hand,
"What's your name honey?" Girl's violet eyes slowly opened as she
looked over at the raven haired woman to her right, her almond shaped brown
eyes twinkled with a friendliness as she swallowed hard, "Evetta
Willows...Evie for short." Paul could feel his heart hammering the inside
of his chest cavity as he heard her voice for the first time.
Emily smiled softly, "My name is Emily. This is Paul. I'm going to look at
your foot real fast." Emily reached down and gingerly ran her fingers over
the blue bruise forming on the top of the young girls
right foot and apologized quickly when she heard the girl gasp. Emily frowned,
"I can't tell if it's broken. Paul would you mind bringing her over to the
table. We'll put some ice on it to slow the swelling."
Paul watched as his imprint's eyes grew wide as her heart rate picked up and
she started to protest, "I-I...I don't...I'm fine really." Paul
frowned as he slowly moved closer to her, "I won't hurt you I promise. Let
me help you please. Your foot looks really bad and Emily will help." Paul
watched as she swallowed hard and looked down at her foot, it was starting to
match the blue polish she had on her toenails. She looked back up at him, he
was a large hulking man. His size more than anything intimidated her. She
finally looked in his eyes and could somehow feel he wasn't going to hurt her
and to trust him.
Paul watched as she contemplated letting him help her for a few minutes before
she sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and nodded slowly. Paul moved a
little closer, "Put your arm around my neck, please." She did as she
was asked as he wrapped one arm securely around her back and place one beneath
her knees, he looked down at her, "Grab a hold of your camera." She
secured her camera in her right hand as she nodded. He carefully lifted her
from her position in the sand as he stood all the way up.
Paul shot a warning look at his pack brothers who watched wide eyed as Paul
handled the girl as carefully as he could. They'd never seen this gentle side
of him before. Sure he was gentle with the other imprints and even Leah, but
this kind of gentle towards his own imprint was definitely something foreign.
Paul looked down at the beautiful woman in his arms as his eyes softened,
"It's okay. I gotcha. I won't drop you I promise."
Evie could feel his body heat seeping through her jeans and t-shirt. She
inhaled deeply and his woodsy scent relaxed her. She'd lived in La Push for a
month and this was her first encounter with anyone who lived here. His russet
skin matched the others who were watching them. His dark brown eyes were almost
the same color as an onyx stone. She could feel a slight shake in his body as
he carefully walked over where a table had been set up he gently placed her on
the table. As soon as he stepped away from her and she was devoid of the heat
she felt like she missed him already.
Emily being a complete mother hen already had ice in a ziploc
back as she gently pushed Paul into a chair and placed Evie's foot on his thigh
and wrapped the bag of ice in a towel and gently placed it on her foot and then
placed Paul's hand on top of the towel to hold the ice in place.
Brady walked up and cleared his throat. Paul shot a glare at the younger man
and snapped, "What?" Brady's eye went from Paul to the girl and back
to Paul when he spat the question out at him and then his eyes found the sand
more entertaining as he set the girls shoes on the chair next to Paul,
"I-uh...I grabbed her socks and shoes...I'm really sorry miss. I-uh, I
didn't see you there."
Evie smiled softly, "It's ok. Accidents happen." She could've sworn
she heard Paul growl, but people don't really growl at other people do they?
Evie eyebrows both went up as her eyes looked down at Paul as his eyes slowly
moved up her body and came to rest on her violet eyes and then swiftly moved
down to look at her foot as he mumbled, "Sorry."
Her violet eyes continued to sweep along his chiseled features. They started at
his soft looking jet black hair, and moved down to his nearly onyx blackened
eyes, he had insanely long eyelashes for a guy. His high cheek bones sloped
down to his cute nose and to his beautiful red lips, as her eyes moved lower
she was suddenly aware he wasn't wearing a shirt. His chest and abs were well
defined as were his arms, thighs and calves. His cut off shorts were hanging
low on his hips and she stifled a giggle as she saw he was the only one in
their little group with an outty belly button.
Paul thought he heard her make a noise and he looked up and caught Evie looking
down at him and couldn't help but break into a grin when she blushed furiously.
Clearly she was checking him out.
Emily walked over as she touched Evie's shoulder, "Would you like to join
us for a picnic lunch? Believe me with all these big brutes around we have
plenty to eat." Evie bit her bottom lip, "I-I don't know if I
should." Emily smiled softly, "Please, we'd be insulted if you didn't
at least say and have a hamburger, I'm sure one of the guys will help you get
home afterwards, or you can stay for our bonfire later tonight. We usually make
this a full play day."
The whole time Evie had been around the small group of overly large men and
tiny women she'd noticed that the worry hadn't left Paul's beautiful nearly
blackened eyes, when Emily asked her to join them for lunch Paul had a hopeful
look on his face as he touched her hand softly, "Please join us for lunch,
I will take you home safely if you want after you eat I promise." Evie
absolutely couldn't say no. She finally sighed out softly as she nodded in
acceptance, "Okay. I'll stay for lunch only, I have to go to work around
8, so I need to go home and get a little sleep before hand." Paul and
Emily both nodded in understanding.
Chapter 4
Jared's eyebrows shot up as he witnessed everything unfolding with
his best friend. He shot a look at Sam, "Did he just say please?"
Jake looked over at Jared and nodded curtly, "I've been keeping tabs on
him, he's actually said it three times so far." Sam chuckled hard as he
shook his head, "You'd be amazed at the stuff that comes out of all your
mouths when it comes to your imprints." Seth chortled, "Yea but Paul
wouldn't say please if his life depended on it." Embry laughed, "Yea
but Paul was the one who said he didn't want to imprint." Quil chuckled,
"I think he might be changing his mind."
All the guys grew quiet as Paul sent them a warning glare clearly letting them
know he could hear them talking about him. A hand on his shoulder, brought his
soft eyes back to his imprint, "Are you okay Evie?" She liked how her
name rolled off his tongue, she nodded, "Yea, can you help me down from
here big guy?" She knew if she hopped off the table it could jar her foot
and until she got to work to have it x-rayed she wasn't taking a chance on
hurting it anymore.
Paul removed the ice and cringed when he saw her foot was a deep shade of
purple now, "Does it hurt very much?" Evie looked at it and stifled a
giggle, "I can't really tell, it's numb from the ice." Paul cringed
as he moved around slowly and stood up so he wouldn't bump her foot. He
carefully scooped her up off the table and leaned over and set her on her left
foot. He backed away slightly until she wobbled and started to fall and Paul
grabbed her hips and pulled her against his body. As her small hands gripped
his biceps.
Paul looked down and chuckled when her cheeks flushed a nice crimson color and
she couldn't help the giggles that escaped her mouth. Emily's eyes were wide as
she watched the scene unfold as she folded her arms over her chest, "Paul Redson, don't you dare let her fall." Paul huffed as
he looked over at Emily, "I'm not Em." Emily quirked an eyebrow at
him, "Well see to it that you don't buddy." Paul looked down at Evie
and rolled his eyes as she giggled, "I'm fine Emily. Paul's keeping up his
end of the promise." Emily's eyebrows shot up, "Promise? What
promise?" Evie smiled, "Well first he promised he wouldn't hurt me
and then promised he wouldn't drop me. And he hasn't done either yet."
Paul gently sat Evie down on the metal chair he had just vacated as he slid the
plastic ice chest over and lifted her right foot and set it down on the chest
with ease, "Leave it elevated it will help with the swelling. I'm going to
go have a conversation with Brady for a minute. And discuss why we watch what
we're doing and how not to mow over innocent by standers." Paul started to
walk away when he felt a hand grab his, he looked down and noticed the hand was
attached to his imprint as she tugged on it a little, Paul squatted down next
to her, "Is something wrong?" Evie bit her bottom lip a little and he
was aware it was a signature move she did when she was nervous, she sighed
softly, "If Brady is the one who hurt me, please don't be too upset with
him. It really was an accident. You guys were having fun and just didn't see
me. It's okay really."
A soft smile graced his lips, how could one person be so nice and caring? Her
foot was practically all purple and getting ready to fall off and she was
sitting here asking him to go easy on the guilty party. He couldn't deny her
that one request. He had a feeling if she requested anything else from him he
wouldn't be able to deny her that either. Damn imprint. He was suddenly gaining
a soft spot in his heart for her. He couldn't tell if that was a good thing or
not at this point. Either way he nodded and stood from his squatted position
next to her as he walked over and joined the rest of the guys.
Emily giggled as she sat next to Evie, "So Paul has seemed to of decided
he's going to be the one to take care of you." Evie smiled softly as she
looked at Emily, "Yea he kind of did appoint the daunting task to himself.
I think he feels guilty because they came after him for catching the ball. I
wish he wouldn't feel guilty though. I'm fully aware that accidents happen
every day."
Evie hadn't noticed until now the three barely there claw marks that marred the
right side of Emily's face didn't really take away from her natural beauty.
Evie felt self-conscious about her scars every day she woke up, even though
hers were not visible. At least not through her clothing. After 3
reconstructive surgeries, a few blood transplants and four years of just moving
on with her life, they weren't scars anymore just random dark lines on her
stomach and sides. A couple of years of physical and psychological therapy and
she was suddenly back to the bubbly human being she was before the incident.
Rick was in her past and La Push was now her present and future.
Every once in a while, things that went bump in the night would push her into a
panic attack but usually she could control them enough to not take over her
whole body. When she first started having them during Rick's trial, they got so
bad they would make her black out completely. She went to a few different
hypnotists but they didn't really help much. She just decided it was mind over
matter and eventually she just learned to control them. Not that,
that was an easy task in itself. Because it definitely wasn't. Every now
and then one would fully control her and she'd wake up on the floor. But it had
been a while since she'd had one that severe.
Once lunch was served, Paul sat next to her as she was introduced to everyone
sitting at the table. They shot questions back and forth and she leaned that
Sam owned his own fixer-upper business and they would travel to a lot of the
surrounding cities and help re-store and renovate old houses, and they would
also help by fixing problem areas in the older homes in La Push.
As much as she shot questions at them they asked her right back. In a short
time Paul had learned she was a nurse at Forks hospital. She worked the night
shift from 8pm to 8 am. She worked in the children's ward. Her passion was
helping the patients but also photography. If patients requested pictures of
surrounding scenery or whatever she'd go out and get it for them, developing
her own pictures in a dark room in her house. She'd do whatever was necessary
to help the patients stay be more comfortable and less sterile for them.
Once dinner was finished Paul looked at Evie, "How did you get here
anyways?" Evie smiled, "I walked. I love walking all through the
trees and along the road, everything around here is just beautiful. So I snap
pictures while I enjoy it all." Paul nodded, "Are you ready to go
home? I know you said you needed to get some sleep." Evie covered her
mouth as she yawned, "Oh sorry! Yea that's my warning it's time to nap
before work." Evie thanked everyone for letting her crash their picnic.
Emily was sure to swap phone numbers and addresses and said she hoped to see
her more often.
Paul helped her stand up but not for long as he swept her up into his arms,
Evie waved bye to everyone as Paul carried her to his truck. He talked more to
her as he drove to the address she had given him, she was only a few blocks
from his place which he was grateful for. He carried her up the steps of her
porch and carefully set her down as he unlocked her door and watched as she
hobbled into the house. Before he left she turned and touched his forearm as
she pushed up on the toes of her left foot and Paul leaned down so she wouldn't
have to strain. She brushed her soft lips against his cheek, "Thank you
for helping me today. I really appreciate all you did."
Paul stood there completely dumbfounded as he grinned slightly,
"Anytime." He nodded slowly as he backed away from the front door,
"Don't hesitate to call Emily if you need anything. She can get a hold of
me. I only live a few blocks from here." He watched as Evie smiled and
nodded in confirmation as she closed and locked the door.
She hobbled carefully to the bedroom, she set her alarm and climbed into bed,
her lips still felt warm from when she kissed Paul's cheek. She smiled as she
slipped into dream land. Maybe moving to La Push was a good idea after all.
Chapter 5
Over the next few weeks, Evie found herself visiting Emily and the
rest of her brood at her and Sam's house. Evie always felt like she was
welcome. They never made her feel like she wasn't part of their friends or even
family. She felt like she had family again. She missed the family feeling.
Tonight was nothing new. Emily had invited Evie over for dinner and to watch a
movie with everyone else. Apparently it was everyone's night off.
Evie frowned as she drove, she hadn't seen Paul since that day at the beach
when he'd taken such wonderful care of her. She couldn't help shake the feeling
that Paul was avoiding her. She could only hope Paul was there tonight.
Paul scowled as he made his way walking through the trees, he knew it would be
faster if he just phased, but he was avoiding his pack brothers and their nosy
minds. They always managed to get into his head nowadays to see if he was
avoiding Evie on purpose. The truth was Paul had asked Sam for extra shifts,
but asked that he not say anything to the others. He said to just let them
think he'd plowed through something with his temper, and it was punishment for
it.
He'd sneak over to Evie's on the night he knew she was home and watch her.
She'd sit on the porch swing with her MP3 ear buds shoved in her ears and just
listen to the music and take pictures all around her. Paul had to be careful,
even as a digital camera it had a telephoto lens on it and he was sure she'd
catch him on film eventually. Paul huffed out as he heard a whine next to him,
he looked over and was greeted by a light grey smaller wolf. his face made a
sour expression as he huffed out, "Leah. Not now ok."
Leah gruffed out a sigh as she bounced behind a tree
and phased out, pulling on her clothes as she jogged to catch up with Paul. She
bounced into step with him as she glanced at him, "Why are you being such
an ass about imprinting?" Paul groaned as he threw his head back and
looked towards the sky. He shoved his hands in his pockets, "Do we really
need to have this conversation right now?" Leah socked Paul in the
shoulder as hard as she could, "What do you think?"
Paul glared at her, " I didn't want to imprint Leah. I don't want an
imprint. I just wanted to stay me for the rest of my life, not have to protect
or worry about someone else other than me." Leah growled, "So you're
being selfish. I see. You know out of everyone in the pack I expected this from
you. You know I might be a bitter bitch. But at least you have someone to call
yours. I have no one. You know who I have? Me, Myself and I. And that's it. I
don't have someone to crawl into bed with after a long patrol shift and no one
to tell me how much they love me. I had someone. And he preferred to be with my
cousin...Which how wonderful is that. My ex-fiancé is my damn alpha and his
wife...is my cousin!"
Paul cringed when Leah screeched at him in the middle of the woods. If he'd a
been in wolf form his tail would have been tucked collectively between his legs.
Paul glared at Leah when she punched him in the shoulder again, "GOD!
You're such a man!"
Leah growled, "There is a reason for us imprinting. You need a soul mate.
You need someone to hold you to the earth. Someone who will be there to love
you on nights when you just don't feel loved. And to kiss you and tell you
everything is going to be okay even though they don't have a damn clue what
goes on in our world. Someone who you can look in their eyes and you get so
lost in them that you never want to leave their side again. Paul if you wasn't
meant to have an imprint then the Quileute God's wouldn't have brought Evie to
you. Don't you get it. They brought her to you for a reason, whether she's here
for you to hand down the wolf gene through to your children or maybe she's here
to help curve that wicked temper of yours. Hell maybe she's here because she
needs someone to protect her. The possibilities are endless at this
point."
Paul grumbled under his breath. Leah reached up and popped him in the back of his
head with the palm of her hand, "Watch it. Look I'm not saying you have to
be completely enthusiastic about imprinting. But just try to open your mind a
little. She's here for a reason. She's here for you. I'm probably never going
to imprint, because what man in his right mind would look at me and say they
want to be with me forever? You guys don't want to be around me but Sam forces
you too. And I'm pretty close to alienating Seth and my mom. If I try hard
enough by Easter, I'll be a alone forever."
Leah grabbed Paul's arm as he stopped walking and looked back at her as she
frowned, "I've seen inside your head Paul. I know you like her...What's
not to like? She's beautiful from top to bottom for Christ sake. Ever since you
helped take care of her that day at the beach when Brady hurt her, she's asked
about you. Don't be a dick anymore. Do the right thing."
Paul growled as he pulled his arm out of her hand, "What's the right thing
Leah? I don't even know what the right thing to do is anymore. My mind, life
and dreams are clouded with her twenty-four-seven. I wouldn't even know where
to begin with her at this point."
Paul was definitely letting her get away with the physicality of their
conversation, when Leah shoved him again, "You don't have to figure out
your whole future in one night Paul! All you have to do is say Hi. The little
two letter word can open up so much for the both of your worlds. You have no
idea. You've never been in love so you couldn't possibly understand what it's
like, but I'm telling you right now, if you'd open your mind up say hi and act
like you have been working because Sam's pushing you instead of trying to
bullshit us into thinking he's being a tyrant to you. She just might understand
you've just been busy."
Leah ran a hand through her short black locks, "I'm not telling you to
just walk into Emily's tonight and fall at Evie's feet, but at least pretend
you haven't been avoiding her. The imprint is pulling her. You can still see
her when you wolf out and hide in the trees in her front and back yards. But
she can't see you. So she's been dying on the inside for the last few weeks
just to see you. That's all she wants. You clearly don't understand what
imprinting feels like. I haven't imprinted and even I know how hard it is to go
without seeing someone you can't stop thinking and dreaming about."
Paul watched as Leah jogged off and phased sprinting into the woods. He really
hated it when Leah was the voice of reason. Even more so when he knew she was
right. He did miss Evie.
Damn it. Why did he have to be so stubborn and pigheaded?
Chapter 6
Paul sighed heavily as he walked up the back steps of Sam and
Emily's. He could hear everyone laughing inside, he glanced through the window
and saw Evie laughing with Emily, Claire, Tina and Kim. The longer he stood
there watching her laugh and giggle with the girls, the more he just wanted to
run in and beg her to forgive him for avoiding her.
Evie had the feeling that someone's eyes were on her. She sat keeping the
conversation with the girls. The temperature in the house grew warm with all
the bodies in the house, she excused herself as she walked outside, making sure
to close the door behind her. She walked down the steps from the porch as she
wrapped her arms around her body and smelled the rain in the air. The wind
wiped through her hair and fluttered it all around her body as she watched the
clouds roll around.
Paul stood in the darkness of the porch and smelled her scent as it hit him in
the face like a soft pillow. Paul walked down the steps and his hand came out
and touched her shoulder, Evie turned and looked up at him and smiled softly,
"Paul, it's nice to see you again." Paul locked eyes with Evie like
he did every time he saw her. Paul nodded, "How have you been Evie?"
Evie nodded, "Good...I guess. Just been working a lot of hours at the
hospital."
Paul nodded as he enjoyed listening to the sound of her voice, "So Emily told
me I've missed some good dinner parties, I've been working some over time for
Sam, so he didn't have to leave Emily while she's been in her fragile
state." Evie giggled, "Paul you can say pregnant. Fragile state is
really an ancient way of saying pregnant." Paul could listen to her laugh
all day as he chuckled, "Yea. I guess it is kind of archaic." Evie
stifled her giggle, "Yea just a little."
Paul smiled as he stepped a little closer to Evie, the wind kicked up a little
and her golden honey locks blew up around both of them as well as her scent.
Paul lifted his hand as he ran a finger down her cheek. Suddenly aware that her
cheeks were cold to the touch. Evie gasped when she felt the warmth from his
finger. Paul stepped closer yet again, "Are you cold?" Evie felt the
warmth from his body as it was standing so close to her, "A little I
guess."
Paul reached out and gently pulled Evie into his arms, letting his arms
surround the outside of her arms and body as he rubbed his hands up and down,
"We can't have that now can we?" Evie couldn't help but snuggle into
his warmth as she shook her head negatively, "No I guess not."
Paul couldn't help but stare down at Evie, "So I'll have to assume your
foot wasn't broken by Brady's overly heavy elbow." Evie giggled, "No,
it was just bruised pretty good. It was sore for a couple of weeks, but it's
better now." Paul frowned, "Is it still sore?" Evie nodded
slowly, "A bit. But it's nothing to worry about." Before the words
finished leaving her lips, Paul hand leaned over and scoped her into his arms.
She squeaked out of surprise, as her arms wrapped around his neck. He chuckled
when he felt her tighten her grip.
"Don't worry I'm not going to drop you. I'd never hurt you." His warm
breath brushed against her ear, made her shiver but she couldn't help believe
every word he said. Evie nodded, "I know." Paul felt her hand as he
slowly slid from her other hand to his shoulder and then down his t-shirt
covered collar bone. He could hear her heart beat as it slowed, he knew she was
getting comfortable with him. And somewhere inside he was secretly happy about
it. He had been stupid about not wanting to imprint.
Standing there with her in his arms feeling her heartbeat, it matched his beat
for beat and he suddenly had the feeling his life was about to change. But only
for the good.
Paul felt her shiver again as the wind kicked up again. "Let me take you
inside. It's getting chilly out here and I don't want you to get sick."
Evie nodded slowly, "I can walk Paul. I have to be getting heavy for
you." Paul shook his head negatively, "Nope. You're not heavy at all.
And I don't mind carrying you honest. I kind of like carrying you. I like
feeling you this close to me." He chuckled when her cheeks tinged pink.
Paul walked up the steps and into the house. Emily's eyes turned to the door as
it opened and watched as Paul carried Evie into the house, "Oh goodness,
is everything ok?" Paul chuckled, "Yes I was just being
chivalrous." Evie giggled, "I made the mistake of telling him my foot
was still slightly sore and it was nothing to worry about, but as you can see,
he didn't go for it." Emily giggled, "Paul is the stubborn one."
Emily walked over as she gently touched Paul's arm, "You can put her down.
I think she'll be fine in the house." Paul chuckled as he leaned over and
carefully set Evie on her feet. Emily noticed how Paul had abruptly changed
himself. All she had to do was look in his eyes. She smiled softly as she
watched Paul and Evie walked into the living room as Paul showed her the
pictures of the guys and himself when they were younger in high school and
started telling her stories. Listening to her giggles.
Sam walked over to Emily as he kissed her lips softly and quirked his head
towards Paul and Evie, "What's going on with those two?" Emily smiled
as she welcomes Sam's warm arms around her, "Paul's accepted the
imprint." Sam looked at her skeptically, "How do you know?"
Emily giggled as she tucked her head under his chin, "Believe me I just
know. I've been around these guys since they were boys. Believe me. I
know." Sam chuckled as one of his hands found her barely there four month
baby bump, "How are you feeling?"
Emily smiled softly, pregnancy had never agreed with someone more as she
nodded, "Tired, but good." Sam kissed her lips again, "Well not
make this a late night. We will get to bed at a decent hour. You need your
rest." Emily giggled as she wrapped her arms around Sam, "Don't worry
Sam. You know I live for pack nights. And don't forget tomorrow is picnic day
and bonfire night." Sam chuckled, "How could I forget the guys are
killing me. They are ready for a night off."
Sam leaned down to kiss Emily again when her timer went off. She giggled as she
kissed his lips chastely. As she walked over and got the soup and bread bowls
ready. Once everyone was seated in the living room with their food, the movie
started. about half way through the movie, Paul looked down as he sat with Evie
next to him, and noticed her head was resting on her shoulder and she'd fallen
asleep. Her hand was lightly setting in his hand and he could just feel his
heart starting to soar into the clouds.
Oh yea he was falling fast and hard.
Chapter 7
The following day Paul and Evie were walking along the beach as they
talked and laughed. Evie blushed as Paul looked down at her and chuckled,
"Why are you blushing?" Evie giggled, "Sorry. I was just
embarrassed about waking up on you this morning." Paul chuckled harder,
"Don't be, I enjoyed you sleeping on me. I slept rather well last
night." Evie's blush deepened as she covered her red cheeks with her
hands. Paul stopped next to Evie as he took her hands and gently pulled them
from her cheeks, "Don't hide please. You're beautiful when you
blush."
Paul couldn't help but chuckle even harder as he noticed her blush was about to
dissipate, but after his sweet words her cheeks flamed again. Paul looked down
and took in her swimming attire. She had on short black board shorts and a
black and white swimming tank top, her naked navel showed a little bit but not
too much. Her long honey blonde locks were curved around her body and the wind
kept kicking up and blowing her hair around the both of them.
Paul didn't release her hands as he started walking backwards, "C'mon
let's go swimming." Evie laughed, "Are you crazy? That water is going
to be freezing." Paul chuckled, "I'll keep you warm. I promise."
Evie quirked an eyebrow at him, "Ya know you've made a awful lot of
promises since I've met you." Paul let go of one of his her hands as he
touched his own bare chest, "Have I not kept any of my promises that I
made?" Evie shook her head negatively, "No...Which is rare in
life."
Paul continued walking backwards until they were both chest deep in the water,
Paul gripped Evie's hips and pulled her closer to him as her hands came up and
held onto his broad shoulders. Paul smirked, "So do you still trust
me?" Evie smiled as she nodded yes. Paul held her close to him as he moved
around in the water. A comfortable silence fell between them as they just
enjoyed holding onto one another and sharing looks back and forth.
Once everyone was done with lunch, Paul took Evie's hand and pulled her to walk
with him. She looked down at their joined hands and felt her heart jump inside
her chest. A surge of energy or nervousness she wasn't sure what it was. A new
relationship excited her in all the right ways, but scared the crap out of her
in all the wrong ones. As she started to feel self conscious about her scars
once again, even if Paul couldn't see them. He would have to eventually. What
23 year old man and 21 year old woman do not get intimate? None...exactly.
Paul could feel an uneasy feeling fall over Evie as he clasped her small hand
in both of his as he peered down at her, her heart beat had picked up,
"What's wrong Evie?" She could tell the worry was evident in his
voice as she looked up and swallowed hard, "Paul I have to be honest. I
don't exactly know how you feel about me, but I am telling you right now that I
do like you...If you have a girlfriend or something now would be the time to
come clean so I don't get further attached to you."
Paul stopped as he turned her to face him, he lifted her face with his hand
softly under her chin, "Evie, I like you too...If you couldn't tell. I
barely know you but everything in my life is pointing me in your direction. I
don't have a girlfriend right now. I mean my past with women is shaky at best,
but I've never lied or cheated on anyone I dated or was with. I'm trustworthy,
but temperamental. I'm hoping you can help me tame my volatile side."
Evie reached up and touched his cheek, "You don't seem to volatile to
me." Paul frowned, "I have some secrets in my life, that I'm not ready
to tell you just yet. But if you can be patient with me, I would like to tell
you eventually." Evie nodded, "I second the motion. I have a scary
and sketchy past and it is something I'm going to have to tell you if we are
going to...ya know." Paul smirked, "Date? Be together?
Whatever." Evie nodded, "Yes. I can't be with you and not tell you.
Some secrets you can't hide away forever. They are meant to be told. Even if
you're scared to death to tell them."
Paul pulled Evie to him as he brushed some loose strands of hair from her face,
"Evie can I kiss you?" Evie smiled and Paul's heart thundered in his
ears as she nodded. Paul leaned down and softly captured her lips with his. His
left arm wrapped around Evie's waist as he pulled her flush against his body.
He slowly slid his tongue along her bottom lip as she gasped out softly and
granted him access by parting her lips slowly. His tongue slid into her mouth
as he groaned at the first taste of her.
His lips were purely addictive. They were so soft and warm against her own. she
could be happy the rest of her life if she could just continue to kiss this man
in front of her.
Jared chuckled when he saw Paul lean down and take Evie's lips. The younger
guys started to get loud but Jared wasn't having any of that. He was letting
Paul have his quiet moment with his imprint as he ushered everyone back to the
bonfire site and started making the younger pups look for driftwood for the
fire later that night. Kim walked over with a smirk on her face, "He finally
took the plunge huh?" Jared pulled her to him as he dropped a soft kiss to
her lips, "Of course. I knew he would. I just knew he would take his sweet
stubborn time."
Kim giggled as Jared wrapped his arms around her waist, "Do you think he's
done fighting the imprint?" Jared shook his head negatively, "Nope.
That wouldn't be Paul's style if he just caved after one kiss from his imprint.
He's going to try and continue to fight it and he's going to end up hurting
himself and possibly Evie as well...but until he does he won't stop trying to
fight it and no amount of talks from me or the rest of the pack is going to set
him straight. The first time he feels her sorrow from his dumb ass making a
mistake then he'll realize how stupid he's been."
Kim frowned, "You're not going to point it out either are you?" Jared
smirked down at his imprint, "What do you think? I've already tried and
believe me it doesn't help, it all goes in one ear and out the other with Paul.
Simply because he thinks he's always right." Kim leaned her head against
Jared's t-shit clad chest, "I'm glad you didn't fight it with me. I
would've been devastated." Jared kissed the top of her head, "I
couldn't ignore it with you. Once I was shown the way then I knew my path to
least resistance was going to be any path that led to you. You are my life Kim.
And I can't wait until were married with a dozen babies." Jared chuckled
when he saw Kim blush.
Paul reluctantly pulled back, releasing Evie's lips as he tried to calm his
erratic breathing as Evie gently chewed on her bottom lip, her eye lashes
fanned her cheeks and slowly opened and he watched as her violet eyes peered up
at him as a smile graced her beautifully slightly swollen lips. Paul couldn't
help but smirk knowing his kiss had been the reason her lips were slightly
swollen. He couldn't help himself as he leaned down and kissed her lips again
only softer and less hungry this time.
When they pulled back, they just stood there as their eyes connected again.
"Wow." Evie breathed out in a whisper.
Paul couldn't help chuckle at Evie's choice for a word, it caused him to smirk
even harder as he couldn't help agree with her.
"Yea. Wow."
Chapter 8
Leah smirked in her head as she patrolled in wolf form. She'd sifted
through Paul's mind for the last few hours. She knew he was laying in the grass
at the cliffs, he had no one but Evie on his mind. Her calves, thighs, hips,
hands, arms, chest, lips eyes hair. Her whole body was re-imaging itself
through his brain over and over. They had officially been dating for the last 4
months. And all he ever had on his mind was Evie.
At the bonfire at the end of the week Paul was going to spill the beans to Evie
about being a wolf and the pack. It was time for him to tell her. Everyone had
been good about keeping it quiet for him specifically, because he fought the
imprint part so hard at first, then after they got together they took it so
slow snails crawled faster than they moved.
5...4...3...2...1!
Paul jumped up as soon as he heard Jared and Sam's voices in his head and knew
patrol was officially over as he ran as fast as he could to Evie's house, he
knew she'd be waiting for him. She was making dinner for him tonight and then
they were going to spend the remained of the evening watching movies on the
couch wrapped in each other’s arms. Paul skidded to a stop just inside the
trees outside of Evie's house as he phased back into human form and pulled his
black cargo shorts and his sneakers. He ran his fingers through his disheveled
hair, trying to make some kind of sense of its craziness.
Once he stepped out of the woods, Evie had been sitting on the front steps of
her porch, she looked up and her face was adorned with a sweet smile when her
eyes came in contact with his. Paul chuckled, "What are you doing out here
by yourself?" Evie shrugged, waiting for you." She stood up as she
held her hand out, "C'mon dinner is ready." Paul took her hand and let
her pull him behind her into the house. The aroma in the air was enough to make
his whole body melt.
Once they walked into the kitchen Paul could see the table was set, Paul
stopped in his tracks as he pulled Evie back against his body, wrapping his arms
around her waist as he leaned down and captured her lips with his. Paul
maneuvered them both around until Evie's back was pressed into the counter, he
leaned down and gently lifted her, placing her on the counter as he stood
between her legs devouring her mouth with his. He could feel her fingers
tangled in his hair as she moaned into his mouth. His soft finger tips caressed
her throat, over her shoulders down her arms, as they slid past her waist and
gripped her hips slightly.
She felt his fingertips play with the hem of her t-shirt as they started to
slowly slid up under the cotton material. Evie freaked out a little and pulled
away from Paul as she panted trying to get her breathing under control.
The abrupt stop shook Paul out of his passion haze as he looked down at Evie
and frowned, "Sorry. I didn't meant to rush you." Evie rubbed her
forehead with the palm of her hand as she shook her head negatively,
"No...Not it's okay Paul. I didn't...I just...I um."
Paul could feel as her whole demeanor changed. It felt as almost if she was
starting to panic a little. Paul looked down into her beautiful violet eyes,
"Hey...I'm not here with you for just that Evie. If that's all I wanted
from you, I wouldn't be here right now." Paul stepped away from her when
he heard her heartbeat speed up. Evie reached out and grabbed his hands and
pulled him back to her as she smiled softly, "No don't...please. I'm sorry
I didn't mean to make you feel like you had to step away." Paul shook his
head, "No I just figured I was moving too fast and was scaring you."
Evie swallowed hard, "No...You don't scare me Paul...You could never scare
me. Remember I told you I had some secrets that I wanted to tell you?"
When Paul nodded Evie looked down at her hands as she enjoyed the warmth of his
hands connected to hers, she looked back up, "I want to tell them to you
tonight. It might explain my sketchiness. Because I'm not rejecting
you...Please don't think I don't want to be with you in a physical
way...Because I absolutely do. You have to feel that. I want to be with you in
so many different ways. I just have to explain a few things first."
Paul nodded, “I understand. I just want you to know I’m not quite ready to tell
you my secrets, but I will soon. I promise.” Evie smirked, “There you go making
promises again.” Paul’s cheeks tinged pink a little as he looked down, “I
haven’t broken one yet though.” Evie giggled, “I know. It’s a good quality in
anyone. You ready to eat now?” Paul chuckled as his eyes met hers again, “Of
course, I could eat a horse right now.” Evie giggle more as Paul gripped her
hips and helped her off the counter carefully.
They sat and ate their grilled lemon chicken with mash potatoes and steamed
broccoli. Once they were finished, Paul actually did the cleanup while Evie sat
on the counter talking to him again, she tried helping him several times, but
he insisted since she cooked he would clean for her. HE told her to just relax
for a minute and he’d be finished before she knew it. Evie giggled, “Do you
ever help Emily with clean up?” Paul shook his head negatively, “No
unfortunately me and the rest of the pa…guys have tried a few times to help,
but she always ends up yelling for us to get out of her kitchen. It’s gotten
worse since she’d got those pregnancy hormones running through her. She’s
extremely territorial of her kitchen now.”
Evie held her stomach as fits of giggles invaded her, when she finally calmed
down she looked at Paul and nodded, “Yea I noticed the other night she was all
eat and then get the hell out. I think that’s the first time I ever heard her
say anything remote to a cuss word before. It was cute and dominating at the
same time. I guess her kitchen is her pride and joy.”
Paul nodded, “Maybe…or maybe it’s because the first time we tried helping her
when we were like sixteen, Quil and Jared got into a shoving match and Jared
shoved Quil so hard he went through the kitchen table. We’ve never seen her get
mad or lift a finger in anger. She chased all of us through the house and out
the back door with a frying pan. Told us if we couldn’t behave like young men
then we were not allowed in her home. This was before she married Sam. He was
furious at us; we had to work to pay for a new table. We all had to help pay
for it because we laughed instead of trying to stop the two from beating on
each other.”
Evie couldn’t stop the giggles once again, “Wow. I would’ve loved to see her
chasing you guys with the frying pan.” Paul shook his head negatively, “No you
wouldn’t…It was bad. She actually nailed Quil and Jared with it in the back of
the head. After she got us outside she threw it like a Frisbee and it
boomeranged around all of us before it hit Embry in the face and broke his
nose. Emily felt bad about hurting him. He generally is the quietest of us and
probably the sweetest.”
Evie giggled as she watched Paul dry his hands off and came and stood in front
of her as she wrapped her arms around his neck, effectively pulling him closer
to her as she kissed his lips softly, “I don’t know, I think you’re the
sweetest out of the bunch right now, but maybe I’m just biased.”
Paul’s hands slid up her legs as he gripped her hips and pulled her off the
counter, her legs wrapped around his waist as he carried her into the living
room, he sat in the plush corner of the L shaped couch, with Evie sitting
straddled on his lap. Paul kissed her lips softly as he watched her pull away
reluctantly he put on a straight face as his eyes connected with her violet
once again.
“Okay…Talk to me. I’m ready.”
Chapter 9
Evie looked at Paul as she nodded slowly. She said she was going to
tell him. Now it was really time to come clean with it all. Evie moved off and
to the right side of him. Evie took a big breath as she noticed Paul took her
hand in his and laced their fingers together; she exhaled her shaky breath,
“First off. I want you to know I’m not scared of making love with you or
anything else like that. I’m by no means a virgin. Though I definitely haven’t
had that many partners, when it comes to the sexual side of life. But with my
past you’ll understand why.”
Evie rolled her lips together as she contemplated how to explain everything.
She felt Paul squeeze her hand softly and when her head popped up and she
turned her eyes towards him, he gave her a soft smile as he kissed the back of
her hand, “Take your time Evie. There’s no rush.” Evie nodded, “When I was
eighteen, I lost my virginity to someone I assumed I was going to spend the
rest of my life with. Rick was my fiancé. He had been since I was sixteen. We’d
started dating when were thirteen and in junior high. So you can understand why
I thought he was the one. He was supposed to be my true one in life and
definitely for eternity. But apparently life had other plans for us.”
Evie sighed heavily, “Our senior year we had 3 months left. We were both
accepted into the same college, and were completely ready to just give up to
each other forever. Rick started hanging out later and later at night with his
friends and drinking and partying harder. Said he was getting ready for the
college life. I’m not a book worm but I worked for the grades I wanted. Rick
slid by in live by the seat of his pants.”
“A week before we were to graduate, I called his cell and some girl answered…I
thought it was a misdial so I dialed the number again and when she answered I
heard Rick’s voice in the back ground. I knew he was out partying with his
friends again so I went looking for him. They always partied at this abandoned
house in town, so I showed up. I walked all through the house looking for him.
I went out back and saw his truck. The windows were all fogged up and it was
definitely rocking back and forth. It didn’t take a genius to know what they
were doing. Especially when they both popped out of the driver side and she had
on his baseball hat that he wore 24/7 and he had her panties hanging out of the
front pocket of his jeans.”
Paul watched as Evie leaned back against the couch and stared at the ceiling,
he never once let go of her hand, he didn’t want to interrupt her because he
knew she would stop and that wasn’t what he wanted. He gently squeezed her hand
again as her eyes sought out his and when they connected she smiled and put the
back of his hand against her cheek. Paul could tell whatever was coming up next
was not going to be easy. He leaned over and brushed his lips across her
forehead as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
Evie rubbed her forehead with the palm of her hand, “I couldn’t really say much
to him. I mean honestly what could be said, other than goodbye. I handed him
his ring back and didn’t say a word as I left and went back home. He actually
followed me all the way back to my mother’s house. My dad took off when I was a
baby, so I don’t have a clue where he is. We argued for a good three hours and
he finally ended up leaving. The next day he wasn’t at school which I couldn’t
thank god enough for because I really wasn’t in the mood to even be near him.”
Paul felt Evie’s entire emotions shift. He sat up when he felt her start to
shake. He wrapped his arm around her, “You don’t have to continue if you don’t
want to Evie.” Evie shook her head negatively, “No…You need to know all of it.
I can do it.” She let out a shaky breath again, “When I got home, I went inside
and closed the door, as I started to step into the living room; Rick popped out
of the hall closet and slammed me against the front door. I was trying to shove
him or fight him, but it was no use, he weighted a good 100 pounds more than
me. I felt this blinding pain shoot through my ribcage, than again in my
stomach, it was consistent. The pain became too much and I passed out.”
Paul could suddenly feel his blood boiling in his veins, “What did he do to you
Evie?”
Evie looked down and then looked back up at Paul, “When I woke up in the
hospital 3 weeks later, they told me he’d stabbed me over fifteen times, in the
ribs and stomach. I had five blood transfusions because of the blood loss. I
went through re-constructive surgery and physical therapy and also
psychological therapy. I went to his trial every single day. There was no way I
was going to miss a second of it. I was going to show him it didn’t matter what
he did to me. He was never going to break me down. He’s been in prison for the
last almost four years for attempted murder.”
Evie could feel Paul’s hands trembling a bit as she grabbed both of his hands
in hers, “Look. I didn’t tell you this to feel sorry for me, or to get pissed
off at my ex. I told you because sometimes I get self-conscious about the
scars. They are only paper thin lines now, but they used to be worse before the
reconstructive surgery. I just…It’s why I’ve pushed your hands away from me. I
know what they feel like to me. I just don’t want you to feel them and think
they are grotesque or something.”
Paul cupped Evie’s face in his warm hands as his eyes searched out and finally
connected with her like they had so many times over the last 4 months, “Evie
there is nothing about you that is grotesque, so please don’t say that. Every
piece of skin on your body is beautiful and I don’t even need to see it to say
it and mean it. I know it…Here inside my heart.” He placed her hand, palm side
down against the middle of his chest over his heart and knew she could feel it
beating a tattoo furiously on the inside of him.
Paul watched as she blinked and a few stray tears slid down her cheeks, his
thumbs wiped them away as he leaned over and kissed her lips softly. Paul
pulled away too soon for either of their liking, as he stood, “I’m going to go
outside and calm myself down and I’ll be right back I promise.” Evie nodded as
she watched him walked out the front door.
She couldn’t help but want to walk outside with him; she wanted to be the one
who helped calm him down as she quickly followed as she jogged to catch up with
him. She followed him into the tree line. Suddenly she heard clothing rip and a
ferocious growling as she rounded the thick of the trees and came nearly face
to face with the largest grey/silver wolf she’d ever seen. It was gigantic.
Even on all fours it was taller than her. She covered her mouth as a gasp of
air escaped.
The wolf turned towards her as if she’d surprised it and suddenly she couldn’t
move, her breathing was erratic as she tried backing away from it but her feet
wouldn’t move. She stumbled to the ground as she began pushing the heels of her
sneakers into the ground and pushed her back against a tree. She started seeing
black spots as they flashed behind her eyelids, she blinked her eyes furiously
trying to calm the panic attack as it swept through her entire body. Her breath
was coming in short gasps as her eyes filled with complete darkness.
Chapter 10
“Please tell me she’s okay Em.” Paul’s voice laced with worry.
“Paul she’s going to be just fine. She didn’t die. She just had a panic attack
and passed out.” Emily sounded annoyed, like he’d been asking her the same
question thirty times for the last twenty seconds.
“Yea like that’s any better.” Pau grumbled under his breath.
Emily giggled, “You boys and your imprints. I think you all try to have
competitions to see who can come up with the more creative ideas on how to
spring your secrets on your imprints. First Jake punches out a guy in the
grocery store for touching Zeva’s rear end, then she
watches him punch a hole completely through the truck of a tree and you wolf
out in the woods after your imprint confesses her secrets. I swear next someone
is going to kidnap their imprint and force her to wolf out with him.”
Paul frowned, “I’m sorry Emily. Really I am. I know I made a mess of everything
and I swear I’ll clean it up if Evie will let me.” Emily looked at Paul as she
smiled softly, “Just be patient. She may not be as accepting as the rest of the
imprints have been. Lord knows you guys have been doing a whiz bang up job of
explaining it.”
Sam chuckled as he watched his overly pregnant wife, “My beloved you need to
come rest and let the boys handle their own mistakes.” Paul nodded, “Yea Emily.
I really am sorry. I shouldn’t have brought her here.” Emily quieted both of
the doting men, “Quiet both of you…I’m pregnant not dead. And Paul had you
taken her anywhere but here you’d be sorry. It doesn’t matter how old you guys
get or what changes occur in all our lives, you’re always welcome here for
disasters and dinners. You should know that already. We’ve all been through it
together you’re still family even if Sam and I are starting our own family. When
you guys start having your families I expect you all too still be here…And
that’s an order from the alpha’s wife.”
Paul smiled as he leaned down and kissed Emily’s cheek, “Yes ma’am.”
Evie slowly started to move around, she could hear voices, but they were
muffled. She slowly opened her eyes trying to get the haziness to subside. She
could feel a head ache coming on fast and immediately knew she’d had a panic
attack and passed out. She rolled onto her side and was greeted with a soft
pillow. She was almost sure she was in the woods when she had the panic attack.
Where the hell was she now?
She started to freak out a little, but then as she sat up she recognized the
guest room of Emily and Sam’s. Paul must’ve brought her here. But what happened
to the wolf? Would it attack Paul if he got near it or her?
Paul was pacing the floor still as he looked up at Emily, she quirked an
eyebrow at the look on his face, “What is it?” Paul smiled softly, “She’s
awake…She’s worried about something. Em will you go check on her please?” Emily
giggled as she nodded and started to stand up as Sam gently helped her. Her
eight month pregnant belly was weighting her down. Emily couldn’t help but
giggle harder.
Emily pushed the guest room door open and then closed it as she saw Evie
sitting in the middle of the bed wrapped in the blanket they’d laid across her
when Paul brought her over. Emily sat down, “How are you feeling sweetie?” Evie
looked up, “My head hurts, but that’s normal after a panic attack.” Emily
reached over and pushed some hair behind Evie’s ear, “You’re safe here. I think
you scared the hell out of Paul though.” Evie frowned, “I didn’t mean to. I
just saw a wolf he was nearly bigger than a house and…and…I know this sounds
stupid but it looked at me as though it was shocked to see me. Not that I was
equally as shocked to see it. But I don’t see many gigantic wolves while
strolling through the woods.”
Emily giggled, “Oh it was shocked alright…Was you scared of the wolf itself or
the size of him?” Evie quirked an eyebrow at the woman sitting next to her, who
was rubbing her belly, “Why would you ask me that Emily? I mean he was as big
as a horse. I don’t know where you come from but there are no mutant horse
sized wolves where I was born and raised.”
Emily held her stomach as she giggled hard while sitting next to Evie, Emily
stood up carefully, “Let me go get Paul, he really needs to come in here and
see you. You’ve two have a few things to discuss.” Emily opened the door as she
looked back at Evie, “I’m just glad you’re okay.” Evie nodded, “Thanks Em.”
Emily nodded as she disappeared out the door.
Paul was the first to approach her as she waddled down the hallway, “How is
she? Is she okay? Did I scare her? Did I hurt her?” Emily giggled again as she
heard Sam growl, “If you’d give her a minute she’d be able to answer you.” Paul
cringed when Sam used his alpha voice, “Sorry Em.” Emily shook her head as she
pinched Sam’s arm, “Its fine. Daddy is just being overprotective. It’s not like
you can actually question someone to death.”
Emily grabbed Paul’s hands, “Calm down. She’s fine. But it’s definitely time
you told her. She doesn’t realize you were the wolf, but you need to tell her
everything. It’s time for you to come clean with her.” Paul cringed, “Are you
sure Emily?” Emily nodded without reluctance, “I’m always sure. You’ve been
together for four months; she came clean to you tonight. It’s your turn. Have a
little faith in your imprint Paul. If you want to wait for the rest of the pack
to get here, we can call them right now and their imprints, she’s going to need
more than just a fat over hormonal pregnant lady to lean on when you tell her.”
Emily giggled when she heard Sam growl from behind her, “You’re not fat! You’re
the most beautiful pregnant lady in the world. And I’ll have words with anyone
who says other wise of my wife.” Emily shook her head at Sam’s overprotectiveness, “Hush Sam! I can have my own opinion of
myself. Thank you very much. Don’t mind him. Sometimes I think he’s the
hormonal pregnant lady in this marriage.”
Paul sighed heavily as he walked down the hallway, as soon as he opened the
door a soft body crashed into his as he chuckled looking down at Evie. His
vision in the dark being incredible he could see Evie’s violet eyes as they
peered up at him. His arms automatically wrapping around her as she buried her
face in his t-shirt covered chest. He softly kissed the top of her head. “Are
you okay Evie?” He mumbled into her hair, she nodded yes to his question. As
Paul looked down again and into her eyes, “Can you handle hearing some secrets?
I’m ready to tell you.” She looked cute when she chewed on her bottom lip as
she nodded in confirmation letting him know she could handle it…Whatever it
was.
Paul sat Evie down and explained that there were some guys in the tribe who had
the wolf gene because their ancestors were descendants of wolves. There was
only a select few in the tribe. He made sure to name them all off in the pack
so she’d know and be familiar with them. Making sure to tell her they only
existed for one reason, to kill vampires, which was the only thing they were allowed
to kill. Paul went ahead and explained imprinting as well, though he knew she’d
have more questions about all of it down the line.
Paul frowned when Evie looked at him when he finished. Paul stood up, “You
don’t believe me do you?” Evie made a face, “I’m not sure what to believe right
now.” Paul looked down at her, his eyes pleading with her to just believe him,
“Do you still trust me? I’ve made promises and always kept them…If you trust me
I promise to prove it to you. I swear on my life it’s all true. I would never
lie to you.”
Evie looked up when Paul held his hand out to her; again she sucked her bottom
lip between her teeth as she slowly raised her hand and softly placed it in
his. He gently pulled her to her feet and led her through the house, when they
went through the kitchen Paul nodded his head at Jared and Jake. They both
followed Evie and Paul outside and over to the tree line.
Evie felt the emptiness when Paul let go of her hand and walked ahead in front
of her as Jared grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop and had her stand next
to him. Paul glanced back at her and winked as he disappeared behind a tree,
Jared’s overly warm hand rested in the small of her back to keep her steady.
Within a few minutes a gigantic silver and dark grey wolf walked out from
behind the tree.
Of course on instinct Evie started to take a step back, but Jared’s hand was
firmly in the middle of her back so she couldn’t go anywhere. “Evie look at his
eyes…Tell me you recognize them.” Evie’s bottom lip trembled a little,
“I…I…umm.” Her erratic breathing was a small sign she as headed towards another
panic attack.
Jake walked up behind her as his hands gripped her upper arms and slowly
started to run up and down them, “Calm down Evie, take some deep breaths, he’s
not going to hurt you. We wouldn’t let him and he would never dream of it.”
Jake’s voice was soft and soothing.
Paul let out a strained whine and Jared’s snapped to look at his best friend,
“You calm down too. She’s just in shock a little. We are taking care of her.”
Evie swallowed hard, “Tell me it’s safe to approach him.” Jared nodded,
“Yea…Just don’t be scared of him.” Evie glared at Jared, “I’m not scared of him
Jared. Good lord. It’s just an abundance to take in at once.” Evie slowly put
one foot in front of the other as she made her way to Paul. He sat down and
slowly let himself slid to a laying down position in front of her. His nearly
blackened eyes watched as she knelt down in front of him.
Evie watched as he crawled on his whined audibly again, she looked back at
Jared and Jake, “What’s wrong?” Jared chuckled, “He’s scared your rejecting
him, because you haven’t touched him.” “I can touch him? And it won’t hurt him
right?” Jake chuckled, “Yea believe me he’s more scared of him hurting you
right now then the other way around. He’s scared he’s scaring you also.” Evie’s
lips pressed into a thin line as she slowly reached out, she watched as Paul
belly crawled closer to her, she couldn’t help but let out a giggle, she could
only imagine watching him do that when he was in human form instead of wolf.
Paul coughed out a chuckle because he could only imagine what she was giggling
about. At least she’d calmed down, he was sure she was on the verge of having
another panic attack and couldn’t bare it being his fault two times. Let alone
ever again. Paul’s eyes grew wide as she leaned over and kissed his snout, “I’m
not afraid of you, don’t look so surprised.”
Evie smiled softly, “Go change back please.” Paul couldn’t deny her as he
backed away and stood up careful not to get too close, he jogged back behind
the tree and phased back as he pulled his clothes back on, when he walked back
out from around the tree. Again he felt something crash into his body, he could
tell by the scent it was Evie. He wrapped his arms around her and held her
tight against his body. He knew this was a good start.
Chapter 11
Nearly blackened eyes watched as she slept peacefully. Since Paul
had revealed his wolf life to Evie he had taken to watching Evie sleep at
night. When Paul would finish patrol early in the mornings, he’d go into Evie’s
house through her bedroom window, she would leave it cracked just enough for
him to get his fingers in and pull it up. Paul watched as she moved around in
bed, her beautiful violet eyes started to flutter open. Once her eyes focused
on Paul she sat up, “What’s wrong?” Her voice was laced with sleep.
Paul moved closer as he sat on the bed next to her. He shook his head
negatively as he caressed her cheek, “Nothing. I love watching you sleep.” Evie
smiled weakly as she moved back on the bed and patted the space she just moved from.
Paul pulled his t-shirt off and kicked his sneakers off and got on the bed as
he pulled Evie into his arms. Evie leaned up and kissed his Adam’s apple. He
felt his whole body relax as she moved around a little and placed soft kisses
on his neck. Paul felt her soft hands come up and push against the muscles of
his chest as he allowed her to guide him to lay flat on his back.
Paul watched through hooded eyes as Evie moved around on her hands and knees
and continued kissing around his neck. His whole body covered with goose bumps
as her lips softly slid across his collar bones. She then placed feather soft
kisses around on his chest and along his sternum. Evie could hear his breathing
as it became erratic in his chest. He could feel her fingers tracing his
well-defined abs. His stomach clenched under her soft touch.
Paul grabbed her hips as he pulled her to sit straddled across his lap as he
sat up and cupped her face and captured her lips with his. She could feel his
fingers as they slid down her curvy body and came to rest on the flesh of her
thighs that were exposed because of her shorts she slept in. His fingertips
pressed into the flesh and she could feel the burning warmth of his skin
against her.
Paul moved them around as he laid her back against the bed and claimed her lips
as his own. Kissing her so passionately, he was sure she could feel his want
and desire for her. His lip slid down her neck as he tugged at the neck line of
the t-shirt she slept in as his lips began nipping the tender flesh of her
collar bone and her fingers tightened into his soft black hair. His hands
played with the hem of her t-shirt once more like they always did. He wanted
her to tell him to go further, but he didn’t want to push her.
Paul felt his body tense when she kissed his ear softly, “Take my shirt off
Paul…But be gentle please.” Paul pulled back as he panted trying to catch his
breath as his eyes locked with hers, “I would never hurt you Evie.” Evie nodded
slowly, “I know Paul. I just. I haven’t shown anyone my body that hasn’t been a
doctor or nurse in the last few years. Scared of being ridiculed or made fun
of. I thought it was a part of my body that was hideously ugly.”
Paul frowned, “There is no part of you that is ugly Evie. You’re beautiful from
top to bottom. You always will be too.” Paul sat back slightly as Evie sat up
and he carefully started sliding the cotton material up her shapely body. Once
it was over her head and floating to the floor, Paul gently pushed her to lay
back on the bed as his lips started placing feather light kisses over the 15
and then some scars littered across her ribcages and upper stomach. Insanely
enough the scars stopped about two inches from her mid-drift. It left her waist
line flawless.
Paul looked up through passion filled eyes and could see Evie was a bundle of
nerves, she was ringing her hands above her chest and even had her eyes closed.
Paul couldn’t help chuckle as he slowly moved up her body and kissed her
soundly on the lips. As soon as her mouth opened against his lips, his tongue
slipped in and caressed her tongue. He smirked when he felt her hands slid
around his neck and up into his hair again. He definitely enjoyed her fingers
weaving themselves through his hair. His warm hands slid down her body as his
fingertips lightly inspected the scars. They were nothing more than paper thin
lines, which he assumes is what the reconstructive surgery did for her. She was
beautiful no matter what.
Paul’s reluctantly pulled his lips from hers as her eyes remained closed and
Paul leaned his forehead against her own. His warm breath washed over her face
as he fought to control himself. “Fuck you’re killing me Evie.” Paul relaxed
into her body more, being careful not to crush her, her fingertips danced along
his overly heated skin as they slid down his shoulders and sides, one of her
hands slid beneath offending jean material, she wasn’t shocked that all he had
on was those shorts. Knowing it was useless for him or the others to wear
underwear when they phased it would just get destroyed.
Paul nearly lost it when her small hand gently groped his right butt cheek
under his jeans and not over them. Evie couldn’t help but giggle because she
felt him shiver against her. Apparently she had surprised him. Evie soft voice
whispered in his ear, “Lift up a little.” Paul carefully pushed up with his
elbows and held himself up with his right hand pushed into the mattress.
Evie’s small hands explored the expanse of his bare chest and slightly ran
slower over his clenched ab muscles. He felt her
hands at the waistline of his jean shorts. She tugged at the material until the
button came undone and slowly slid the zipper down with her thumb and index
finger.
Paul felt his mouth go dry and he nearly held his breath as he felt his imprint
take his erection into her small hand. His breath hitched in his throat as he
groaned at the contact. “Evie if you’re not ready we don’t have to.” His voice
was strained as he felt his imprint stroke him gently. Evie kissed along his
strong jawline as he lowered his head so she could
reach him, “Does it feel like I’m not ready?” Paul couldn’t even answer as she
stroked him again, he just shook his head negatively.
“Don’t you think we have a bit too many clothes on Paul?” He nodded as he un
hooked her bra from the back with his left hand as his right still held him
above her…his hands were softly caressing her in places she couldn’t imagine
that could be caressed…like her waist, hips…outer thighs…Just the feel of his
hands on her…was comforting…Paul gently pulled at her cotton shorts and kissed
down her lower abdomen…he slid his tongue over and kissed her left hip and the
slide his tongue over and kissed and caressed her right hip.
Paul rolled her over onto her stomach…and was kissing the small of her back…he
was running kisses up and down her vertebrae…he came up to her shoulder and was
kissing her shoulders, shoulder blades and the back of her neck…He had his arm
around across the top of her chest from shoulder to shoulder…Evie was kissing
along his forearm…and just could feel the heat radiating off his arm…and his
hand that had slowly ran down her back and sides where her ribs were…his hands
had lightly brushed against her breasts.
Paul turned her back over onto her back, and Evie reached up and pulled him
down. Paul started kissing her lips again, while caressing her breasts and
stomach…Evie was running her hands down his chest and gently pushed him over
onto his back and slowly kissed down his throat to his chest…She gave his
nipples a little tease when she slowly licked around them and then blew hot air
onto them…they perked up and Paul groaned from the back of his throat…Evie
placed feather light kisses down his sternum…and traced his 6-pak with her
tongue and lips.
Paul’s erection was strained against the material of his jeans…and he pulled
his jeans off and the laid her flat on her back and slowly pulled her shorts
and panties down her long legs and threw them in the collecting pile of clothes
on the floor…Paul slowly crawled up her body and softly spread her legs with
his hands.
Paul looked into her eyes as if asking permission to go further…Evie just
nodded her approval…and Paul slowly started sliding his erection all the way
into her core…Evie couldn’t help but let out a ferrous moan…They both realized
this is exactly where they needed to be at that second…Once Paul was fully
sheathed in her, he kept still letting every part of her body adjust to him.
Paul started slowly moving in and out of her…and Evie was holding on…She was
kissing Paul’s neck and ear and finally started begging him to go faster…it was
his undoing…he started slamming into her as hard and as fast as he could…he
pulled her knees up and gripped the back of her thighs and pushed them apart
further to stroke deeper into her willing body…Evie was almost on the brink of
insanity… “Mmm Paul…you feel so good…Oh god….” “God Damn…Evie baby you’re so
tight…you feel so good wrapped around me…Mmm…God I wanna feel you cum so bad…”
All Evie could do was moan and nod…cause he started thrusting as hard and as
deep into her as he could…her whole body was about to explode…Evie clamped her
eyes shut tight…and Paul leaned down, “Open your eyes Evie I want you to look
me in the eyes..."
Evie opened her eyes…They kept their eyes locked on each other…and finally Evie
started falling over the edge…Her orgasm raked through her body…and as soon as
Paul felt her walls clamping down, milking him as she cam…Paul growled out his
release…Paul thrusted one last time, and cam
loud…Evie felt him slam so deep inside of her…Feeling him explode so deep into
her…only made her cum again…Paul rode her hard through both of her orgasms…Paul
collapsed on the bed next to her, not wanting to crush her…they just laid there
staring at each other in silence.
Paul didn’t leave her body, she kissed his lips and he instantly felt himself
growing hard again while he was still inside of her. Paul rolled onto his back
pulling Evie on top of him as he gently guided her hips up and down his already
recovered erection. He watched the emotions as they crossed Evie’s face, but
she never protested as she laced her fingers with his and continued the sexual
escapade the two of them seemed to be riding that night.
Oh yea. It was going to be a long night.
Chapter 12
Forest Green eyes looked at him. Her whole posture basically said
‘If you touch me I’ll nail you in the balls.’ Her arms were crossed over her
chest defiantly. She really didn’t care if the top of her head barely reached
his chin, or how good he really looked standing in front of her shirtless. His
bare tan chest staring her directly in the eyes. She almost had the urge to
reach out and touch him.
Almost.
Jake shuffled from right to left foot as he rubbed the back of his neck. Her
glare was just about the one thing he could handle. He’d been in all out fights
with Paul in wolf form that didn’t bother him as much as her glare did right
now. He could see the venom in her eyes. He started to open his mouth and say
something when she held up her hand and stopped him from doing so.
Zeva was a completely open minded person, but it
wasn’t natural to watch her boyfriend punch a hole in the trunk of a huge ass
tree. “Okay so I understood there were some things that just were different
about you from my other boyfriends. The body temperature, the way you looked at
me, the way you growled at my friend Ryan when he grabbed me too roughly. But
when some douche bag comes up and puts his hands all over me it’s my job to
defend myself not you. And had you given me more than a three second lee way I
would’ve kicked him in the balls so hard they would’ve been lodged in his
throat until he had them surgically removed. But you hit him so hard I heard
something break. I heard a bone snap and I don’t even want to know which bone
it was because the human face is all bone and cartilage. Then I follow you
outside because you was shaking so bad I thought you was going into like
epileptic shock or something and you proceeded to punch a hole in a damn tree.
I’m not sure how that is even possible at this point.”
She dragged her fingers through her waist long raven hair as her blue streaks
shined noticeably. She exhaled, “I can’t handle having a boyfriend who has roid rage every three minutes so if you are using steroids
or something I’m going to ask you to choose. It’s either me or the drugs,
because I refuse to put myself in a situation where I’m calling the police at 3
am with a busted up face talking about how I had to kill you because you went
ballistic on me.”
Jake almost laughed…Almost.
He definitely couldn’t help the smirk that crossed his red lips as he looked at
his imprint.
Jake took a step towards Zeva and watched as Zeva took a step back. Jake chuckled, “I’m not on drugs Zeva. I’ve never done drugs in my life. Hell I have never
even taken an aspirin. I was upset because that jerk thought it was a good idea
to manhandle you. I know you’re supposed to be able to defend yourself, but at
some point my macho rationalization half of my brain took over and told me to
sock him in the face before he tried to get any more bright idea’s to touch you
in other spots.”
Zeva quirked an eyebrow at him, “If you’re not on
drugs they how the hell did you punch a hole in that tree?” Jake’s eyebrows
shot up, “Would you believe I’ve been working out?” Zeva
shook her head negatively in a stiff manner; she was definitely not buying that
excuse. Jakes sighed heavily, “This really isn’t the way I wanted to explain
everything to you. I guess it’s my own fault though. I should’ve kept my temper
in check. Will you go for a walk with me…Please?”
Zeva looked in his eyes and knew she could still
trust him no matter what. She looked down when he held out his hand and her
small hand came up and slowly slid into his. His warmth was completely welcome
as his fingers wrapped around her small cold hand. Jake gave her hand a gentle
tug. As she let him guide her off the front porch into the trees.
Jake smiled sweetly as he looked down at Zeva’s
insanely beautiful green orbs, “Remember when we went to the bonfire and my dad
told the legends of our tribe?” she nodded, “Yea, how you guys are the
descendants of wolves and you supposedly morph into wolves to protect the tribe
from Dracula.” Jake chuckled at her words, “It’s not really Dracula, but they
are vampire’s they still suck blood.”
Suddenly Zeva stopped walking and Jake face palmed,
not believing he actually said that out loud. Jake turned and looked at Zeva who looked a little paler than normal. Jake frowned,
“Zev, I’m…I didn’t mean to just blurt it out like that.” Zeva
shook her head negatively, “You’re telling me that vampires are real. Like
really real right? That’s what your standing here telling me.”
Jake nodded sorrowfully, he could tell she was either going to freak out at the
realization or think he’d fallen and bumped his head causing permanent brain
damage. He was really hoping for neither and that she would just believe him,
but that would be way too easy and he knew it, “I know it is probably hard to
believe.”
“Probably hard to believe? Really Jake? Probably?” Zeva’s
eyebrow’s shot up almost to ask ‘Are you kidding me?’ Jake nodded with slight
apprehension, “Look that doesn’t even scratch the surface of everything else
I’m about to tell you. Please just keep an open mind.”
Zeva looked at Jake as he started explaining
everything to her. Her eyes grew as he told her about being a wolf. And then he
actually proved it. She stood completely astonished at the reddish brown wolf
in front of her. Even on all fours he was gigantic compared to her. She wasn’t
a dwarf, but she wasn’t a seven foot basketball player either. But next to Jake
was a shorty…Big time. She held her tongue as
Jake…err wolf Jake walked up and nuzzled her hand that was at her side.
She slowly lifted her hand up and stroked the fur on the top of his head and
felt him groan at the contact. It sounded like he purred, but she couldn’t stop
herself as she leaned forward and buried her face in the fur of his neck. He
was still her Jake, the smell and his eyes were the same. He leaned down so she
wouldn’t have to strain to reach him. “This is just crazy…Can you change back?
Or do you have to stay this way?”
Zeva watched as Jake went behind a tree and came out
with his signature cut off shorts again. He walked over to her as his handles
settled on her waist and he pulled her closer to him, “I need to tell you
something else.”
It really couldn’t get any crazier right?
“Zeva, I imprinted on you. You’re my soul mate.”
Apparently it could.
Chapter 13
Zeva stood staring at Jake. She quirked an
eyebrow at him, “Do I even want to know what that means?” Jake chuckled as his
hands slid up and down her curvy sides; his hands were so warm she could feel
them through her t-shirt and jeans. His body temperature was always inviting
and now that she knew it was a side effect of the wolf gene, she was sure she
could never get enough of his warm hands touching her again.
Jake’s lips got a mind of their own as he began kissing down her neck and she
gasped at the feeling of his warm wet kisses on the tender flesh of her neck
and throat. She felt his hand slide up the middle of her back and moved her
hair and she couldn’t help but lean her head to the side so his lips could have
better access.
Jake’s lips brushed the spot behind her ear, “Are you sure you want to know? Do
you think you can handle anymore tonight?” Before Zeva
could even think about what she was doing she nodded, “Uh huh.” Her hand slid
up his chest and around to the back of his neck as her small fingers tangled
into his soft, thick black hair pulling him closer to her body. Jake pulled the
collar of her t-shirt aside as his warm lips nipped on the flesh of her collar
bone.
Jake pulled back as he looked deep into her beautiful forest green eyes, “You’re
my soul mate. Imprinting is when a wolf finds his perfect half that makes him
whole. It’s a thousand times stronger than love at first sight and it lasts
forever. It’s fates way of giving us a shove towards our perfect love.” Zeva frowned, “You’re forced to love me?” Jake shook his
head negatively, “No. Most wolves give their imprints a choice. If you don’t
want this then we don’t have to be together. You can be free to love who you
want.” Zeva cupped his face, “What about you? What if
you don’t want me?” Jake locked eyes with Zeva, I’ll
always want you. I’ll never love anyone as much as I love you. I don’t have to
love you I want to love you forever.”
Zeva jumped into his arms as she wrapped her legs
around his waist and crushed her lips to his. He couldn’t help but chuckle
against her lips. Jake carried her back to her house. Jake unlocked the front
door and ushered her into the house as she walked into the kitchen and got a
glass of water. Zeva relished the feeling of Jake
standing behind her. His scorching hands playing with the hem of her t-shirt
and she could feel the warmth against the skin on her waist. And then his lips
trailed a path down the side of her neck. Zeva had an
intense feeling come over her entire body. As she turned around, Jake's warm
hands slid up the back of her t-shirt, under her bra strap and palmed her bare
skin while his arms pulled her closer to his body and his lips captured hers.
Jake pulled back and stared into her eyes, "I want to be with you Zeva." Zeva suddenly knew what
he was asking. Her pink tongue came out and slowly wet her lips as she looked
into his almost blackened with desire eyes as she nodded slowly up and down.
Jake's hands slowly pulled Zeva's jacket off and then
slid down and then lifted her by her bottom as her legs wrapped around his
waist. They couldn't stop kissing even if they wanted to. Jake carefully made
his way through the house, up the stairs to Zeva's
room, as he gently kicked the door closed.
Jake gently set Zeva on her feet in front of him, as
he toyed with the hem of her t-shirt again as he watched her chew on her bottom
lip slightly. Jake slid the cotton material up and over her head and let it
flutter to the floor, as she smirked and pulled the white t-shirt from his
body. Definitely stopping to admire his chest and abs. Her soft finger tips
coming in contact with his tight stomach, abs and then sliding up to his chest.
Her hands then trailed down to the waist line of his cut off jean shorts. Jake
growled a little and scared Zeva and she jumped back.
Jake exhaled hard as he grabbed her hands, "Sorry! Your touch was just
starting to affect me. I was trying to control myself." Zeva noticed Jake's chest was rising and falling a little
like he had been holding his breath the whole time. Zeva
frowned, "I'm sorry." Jake shook his head, "Don't you dare
apologize. I'm fine. It's just that the first time with our imprint is supposed
to be...I don't know...I'm only going off what I've heard."
Every time Jake moved his hips she could feel his erection pressed into his
jean shorts as it pressed against her inner thigh and she was suddenly aware of
how big he really was. Zeva frowned again,
"Jake...I don't...I mean I haven't..." Jake made a face as he pulled
her closer, "Your still a virgin?” Zeva shoot
her head, “God no, but I can feel you.” She blushed hard as she swallowed and
continued, “I know how big you are and I’ve never been with anyone that size.”
Zeva shook her head no, "No I want to. With
you...Tonight. I just...I'm kind of nervous about it. What if I suck? You can't
take the imprint back." Jake cupped her face in his hands as he softly
kissed her lips, "I don't want to take the imprint back. Ever. I love you Zeva. I will always love you. I'm not saying that because I
imprinted on you or to get in your pants. I loved you before I imprinted and
you know it. I'm completely devoted to you and to us. I want to marry you and
have babies with you. When I said forever; I meant it."
Zeva smiled softly as she pushed up on her toes and
captured Jake's lips this time. Jake smirked when she pulled away; he loved it
when she pulled bold moments like that. Zeva leaned
up and rubbed her nose against his, "Jake...Make love to me." Jake’s
smug smirk and puffed out chest was enough of an answer for Zeva.
Zeva felt Jake lift her into his arms and then gently
set her down in the middle of her bed as he hovered over her body, continuing
to kiss her lips, her black lace bra was making him crazy. Zeva
felt Jake unsnap and unzip her jeans and she laid on her back pushing off her
jeans, as Jake was gently pulling them down her long tanned legs. Jake moved
his hands to his jeans, and Zeva smacked away his
hands as she gently kissed his lips and decided to handle his shorts herself
and his were off in seconds and soon they were in their underwear. Jake looked
at Zeva and she could not only see but feel his
desire, as it pressed against her inner thigh.
Arousal has spread through both of them like a wild fire. His lips blazed a
trail down her neck. They couldn't get enough of touching and kissing each
other, their hands were everywhere on each other. When he finally tugged at her
panties, he carefully pulled them down and tossed them aside with his own.
Before she knew it knew it she felt the tip of him at her entrance. Jake pulled
away and Zeva took a deep breath before he carefully
slid inside of her. It was going good until she felt him stop. She wasn’t sure
what to expect as far as the pain went.
"Let me know if it hurts too much...I'll try to be gentle I promise."
Jake said breathy against her lips trying to maintain control. He sounded in
control Zeva felt like she was going to blow up any
second. They could see everything on each other...Nothing was left to the blind
side. Both of them were equally susceptible. The feel of his bare skin against
her was addictive and she demanded to feel more of it...She CRAVED to feel it
all. Jake just seem to fit with her every way possible.
Zeva nodded not really able to say much, she was now
extremely nervous and before she knew it he gently pushed further into her and
the searing warmth from his body enveloped her whole body. This warmth was
going through her whole body and she wasn't sure how long it was supposed to
last. Zeva felt Jake's forehead pressed against hers
as he tried to steady himself and let her get accommodated to his size. He was
using all his strength to control himself and make the perfect moment all about
Zeva and Her love for Jake exploded in her chest and
started spreading throughout her whole body.
Tears escaped her eyes, as Jake's warm lips kissed them away, Zeva finally nodded as he started to slowly move within
her. The feelings in her stomach that seemed to reach a climax with insanely
unbearable pleasure. Zeva wrapped her legs around his
waist locking him into place on top of her small body. Jake smirked down at her
as he captured her lips with his and increased his pace. Zeva
felt him groan into her mouth as they moved as one and she knew she let his
name spill from her lips more than once. Jake pushed into her once again and
suddenly sanity left her mind.
Zeva was shoved towards a whole new level of pleasure
as Jake and her became one. When they both climaxed she felt him collapse on
top of her, his breath in the crook of her neck. Both of them were completely
spent and covered in sweat but honestly couldn't care less. Jake slid out of
her body gently as he walked into the bathroom and disposed of the condom
leaving no traces that they'd had sex in her mother's house, then cleaned
himself up.
He walked back into the bedroom and gently lifted Zeva
into his arms and carried her back into the bathroom and set her down in a
bathtub full of warm water, as he got in behind her. He looked up at him
questioningly, Jake placed a kiss on her lips, "You're probably going to
be sore tomorrow, and I'm trying to lessen the pain a little by having you soak
now." Zeva nodded as she accepted the kiss on
the lips he gave her and leaned back against his chest. He washed both of them
down.
Zeva couldn't help but giggle when he placed his nose
against her shoulder and inhaled her scent, "Damn the guys are gonna know,
my scent is all over you. But I do have to say it's a scent you wear
perfectly." Zeva looked up and noticed Jake had
a cocky grin on his face. Once they got out of the bath and dressed, Jake laid
on her bed with her pulling her into his arms. Jake continued to answer all the
questions that Zeva asked him, until they both fell
into a deep peaceful sleep.
Chapter 14
Evie was sitting in front of the bonfire wrapped in one of Paul’s
sweatshirts. It was definitely two sizes too big for her, but she wasn’t
complaining his scent was filling her nose when she inhaled. Her and Kim were
talking while Paul was over talking with Jared. Kim smirked, “So you and Paul
seem to be getting closer.” Evie smiled softly as she glanced over at Paul.
Almost as if he knew they were talking about them he winked over at Evie.
Evie’s cheeks tinged pink as she nodded, “Yea. Everything seems to have fallen
into a specific pattern with us. I told him about my attack and he told me
about being a wolf. It seems we like to shock each other.” Kim frowned, “Jared
told me. I hope you don’t mind. The guys can’t help when they are in wolf form,
they can read each other’s minds, it’s so they can communicate better when they
patrol and hunt.”
Evie shook her head negatively, “No it’s ok. I’m actually less self conscious
about that. Paul’s been helping with that.” Evie’s blush darkened when Kim gave
her a knowing look. Kim mumbled under her breath, “Uh huh.” Evie giggled, “Hush
Kim.” The girls broke out in giggles.
Evie looked up when Brady and Collin plopped down in front of the girls. Brady
grinned, “I’m really glad everything worked out with you and Paul. I didn’t
think it was going to for a minute.” Evie furrowed her eyebrows, “Why not?”
Collin made a face, “Because he didn’t want to imprint. He just wanted to
continue being a bachelor until he died. He was having too much fun dating
different girls and whatever.” Brady nodded in agreement, “Yea. It’s why he
avoided you for those weeks between first meeting you at the beach and that
first night you guys fell asleep on Emily and Sam’s couch.”
Kim cleared her throat, “Uh guys why don’t you shut the hell up. You don’t have
a clue what you’re talking about.” Brady quirked an eyebrow at Kim, “You know
he had a hard time accepting the imprint. He didn’t want to be forced into
something and regret it later. But it doesn’t look like he’s got any regrets.
Which he shouldn’t.” Kim looked at Evie, “What Brady means is, I don’t think
any of us have ever seen Paul this happy, when he was sixteen and first started
phasing he was a little volatile. He still has the temper, but since you’ve
been in his life he’s definitely calmed down.”
Evie frowned, “He didn’t want to imprint? Imprinting forced him to be with me?
So he doesn’t really want to be with me?” Kim grabbed Evie’s hand, “Oh my God
no Evie. It’s not like that. Imprinting doesn’t force the guys to do anything.
It just helps them find their soul mate. They aren’t forced to do anything.”
Evie’s frown deepened, “But Brady just said Paul didn’t want to be forced into
something that he would regret. What the hell does that mean?”
“IT MEANS BRADY IS TALKING OUT OF HIS ASS. WHERE I’M ABOUT TO STUFF HIS HEAD.”
Evie, Kim, Brady and Collin’s heads all snapped around to the sound of Paul’s
voice. He was standing perfectly still with his hands balled into fists, Jared
was standing behind him. Kim saw Paul shaking from head to toe. She stood up
and grabbed Evie’s wrists and pulled her to her feet and pulled her away, as
both Collin and Brady phased, which fully enraged Paul and Jared because Collin
and Brady phased too close to the girls.
Three seconds later, Jared and Paul had phased and were pouncing on Collin and
Brady; Making sure to pull the two pups into the trees. Sam and Embry both
phased and ran to the trees to try and break up the fighting.
Kim looked at Evie and she was pale as a ghost, “You’ve never see Paul that mad
before have you?” Evie shook her head negatively, “No. I mean I’ve seen him in
wolf form, but I’ve never seen him get so mad that he phased out of anger.” Kim
frowned, “Please don’t think that Paul was forced to be with you because of the
imprint. None of the guys wanted to imprint. It just happens involuntarily.
Paul loves you.” Evie shook her head negatively, “I don’t know what to believe.
Paul has never said he loves me, because I don’t think we are ready for that.
But I also don’t want him to regret anything that he does with me.” Kim nodded
in agreement, “You guys can’t really rush anything, but don’t doubt his true
feelings for you.”
“Are you girls okay?”
Evie frowned as she saw Seth walk up to them, “Can you give me a ride home
Seth…Please.” Seth’s frown mirrored Evie’s, “Sure…Are you sure you want to
leave before Paul comes back?” Evie nodded as she started 2walking towards
Seth’s truck. Seth spared a look at Kim who nodded solemnly, “Go ahead I’ll let
Paul know where she is.” Seth nodded as he followed Evie. He drove her home in
silence not wanting to upset her any more than she looked.
Once he pulled up in front of her house he stopped her before she got out of
his truck, she looked down at his warm hand on her wrist. Seth cleared his
throat, “You should know Paul will come to see you once Kim tells him I brought
you home. Just talk to him. I don’t know what happened on the beach or what was
said. But talk to him. Whatever questions you have hell answer them honestly.”
Evie really couldn’t say anything as she just nodded and got out of the truck
and went inside.
Seth had been right about twenty minutes later a heavy knock banged on the
front door. Evie walked over and looked out the peak hole and saw Paul standing
there, “Evie please let me in. Brady was talking out of his ass. He doesn’t
know anything.” Evie leaned against the front door with her left palm against
the door, “I just need some time Paul. I can’t even wrap my brain around
everything I heard. You didn’t want to imprint, because you enjoyed dating
multiple women, and you didn’t was to be forced into being with me because of
the imprint and regret it later.”
Paul leaned his forehead against the front door, “Evie, Please open the door
let’s talk about it. Ask me anything you want! I swear I will answer it. I’ll
tell you the truth. I swear on my life.” Evie blinked she could feel the pain
and worry in his voice. Brady was more than likely laying in small bloody
pieces in the trees at the beach. Evie couldn’t help but let the tears fall,
“I’m so confused Paul. I need some time please. I need some time to think.”
Paul frowned, “I’ll give you whatever you want Evie…Please call me when you’re
ready to talk…Please Evie…Promise me.” Evie sniffled as she tried to control
her tears and not sound like she was crying, “I promise. Just give me a couple
of days Paul. I’ll call you when I’m ready.”
Paul could feel his heart clenching in his chest as he walked off the porch.
The pain was immense in his whole body; he spared a look back at the house and
knew Evie was crying on the other side of the door.
Evie watched from the peak hole as Paul walked off the porch and into the tree
line. She heard a pained howl come from the trees as soon as he disappeared
into them. Evie slid down the front door and to the floor as she cried. She
definitely needed the time to think.
Chapter 15
The next few days for the pack were touch and go. Brady was lucky to
be alive. Paul had torn into him on more than a few separate occasions, but it
wasn’t like anyone could really blame Paul. Brady had single handedly destroyed
Paul and Evie’s relationship by talking to her about something he didn’t
understand or care about. Brady hadn’t imprinted so he had no idea what he’d
done exactly.
Sam gave Paul a few days off of patrolling to calm himself down, every time
he’d see Brady he’d get so pissed off he’d absolutely burst into his wolf form.
Jared chuckled as he grabbed the key to Paul’s front door once again. Just like
he did every time Paul would lock himself away so no one could bother him. Paul
was found yet again face down on the couch in the living room. Jared cleared
his throat, “Dude you can’t do this to yourself. If Evie came to see you right
now she’d be mortified at this place. It’s disgusting.”
Empty pizza boxes and soda cans all over the place. There was also garbage
strewn all over the living room and even a trail from the living room down the
hall to Paul’s bedroom.
“I swear to God Jared, leave me alone before I beat the piss out of you.”
Paul’s voice mumbled from the couch cushion.
Jared watched as Paul pushed up from the couch cushions and sat up glaring at
him. Jared put his hands up in surrender, “Hey don’t shoot the messenger, Kim
asked me to come check on you. I knew better, but you know Kim. When everyone
in the pack isn’t hunky dory she makes me the peacekeeper. She was just worried
and so was Emily. You’ve missed pack dinners for the last 3 days and the Paul Redson I know doesn’t miss dinners, especially not when
Emily is cooking. But from the looks of this place I’d say you had food
covered.”
Jared shot Paul a look when Paul growled at him, “Bro, I realize this isn’t the
easiest thing for you to be going through right now. I mean the hardest thing I
saw you go through was your mom’s death. But Evie is going to come to you and
when she does you’re going to feel stupid for letting everything affect you on
this level. You need to clean this place up and go shower, you really do smell
like a dirty dog now. She’d be disgusted and grossed out and the first thing
she is going to want to do when she finally does come to you is puke because
you stink bad man.”
Jared chuckled hard when Paul glared and growled at the same time, “Hey! Once
again don’t shoot the messenger. I’m only being honest, you wouldn’t want me to
lie to you right?” Paul shook his head no, “I’m just trying to wrap my head
around everything that happened. I completely blacked out when I tore into
Brady. After what I heard him say and then when he and Collin phased close to
the girls, I just saw complete red.”
Jared could see the look in Paul’s eyes as he clamped his hand on Paul’s
shoulder tightly, “Dude, Listen you haven’t lost control like that in a long
time. But no one blames you. Emily and Sam are making Brady’s life a living
hell right now. He’s doing your shift while you’re off, plus his own shift. Not
to mention on any down time, Emily is making him clean up around the house inside
and outside. Shit she even put his ass in a pink girly apron and made him help
her cook for the last 2 nights.”
Paul shook his head, “I know I haven’t lost it like that in a while, but I just
figured I was over being the volatile one in the pack. I’m tired of being the
angry one. But then again, I haven’t been that mad in a few years. Last time I
had that much rage flowing through me was when we had to fight the newborns to
help the leech lover. I just don’t ever want to lose control like that again around
Evie. She’s too important of a person in my life to ever hurt her.”
Jared shook his head negatively, “You have to stop thinking that you’re going
to hurt Evie. You already know you’re not going to and she’s not scared of you.
She never has been. She never will be. She’s a strong, tough woman. She’s even
beautiful.” Paul growled at Jared and he laughed hard, “Bro, I’m just telling
the truth. Everyone will tell you the same thing. She is a beautiful woman. But
she’s also been through some shit man, and she still came out on top. She’s
seen you in every different light of your life, grumpy, mad, pissed off, happy
and the latest was enraged and she still not scared of you.” Paul nodded in
agreement finally.
Jared patted Paul’s shoulder as he stood up, “I’m glad we could get this little
pep-talk over with, now clean this place up and take a shower; because damn you
stink bro. And open the windows and air this place out. I’m gonna be nice and
gather your garbage.” Paul put Jared in a headlock, “Awww
you do love me bro.” Jared growled and chuckled at the same time as they play
fought for a few minutes. Paul went in and showered and Jared cleaned the
garbage up, dishes in the kitchen were not coming clean with him because he
wasn’t doing them.
Jared had heard the water shut off twenty minutes prior to finishing up taking
the garbage out, and went looking for Paul. Jared shook his head as he came to
a stop at Paul’s bedroom door. He was dressed in his cut off shorts and his
hair was soaking wet, but he was face down in his pillow and light snores were
coming from him. Jared couldn’t get mad at his best friend he knew he’d not
being sleeping much since Evie had asked him to give her a couple of days.
Jared chuckled quietly as he turned and made sure the rest of the house was
picked up. He’d opened a couple of the windows to let the house air out. There
was a slight breeze in the air because a thunder storm was moving over La Push
that night. Jared opened the front door and jumped when he came face to face
with Evie. Jared stepped out, “So you finally came.”
Evie nodded. “I’ve been standing on the porch for about 45 minutes. I couldn’t
decide if I wanted to knock or run away.”
Jared nodded, “I fully understand, but let me explain something; it’s not that
we hate imprinting, we just think it’s ridiculous for the Quileute God’s to
make us imprint on someone who is supposed to be our soul mate in life. If we
are meant to be with them, then it should be set up as like a chance encounter
or something like that. We feel like were forcing our imprints to be with us
and just accept our life. We’ve been lucky none of us has been rejected by our
imprints.”
Jared sighed heavily, “That’s really the ultimate heartache scenario. The way
the elders of the tribe describe imprinting, is that we never love anyone as
much as we love our imprint, so really after you hear that what chance do we
have at a normal relationship if our imprint rejects us and the life we lead. I
meant really, how many women out there want to be with a guy who grows fur and
a tail on a regular basis and fights vampires for a living. You’ve not been
scared of Paul, which is a good thing, a lot of the imprints were scared or
terrified of us at first, but you seemed like you accepted us right away.”
Evie nodded, “I guess it’s because Paul didn’t bullshit me. He didn’t lie, I
mean right out the gate he said he had some secrets, but he wasn’t ready to
tell me. And that was an acceptable answer to me. Once he was ready to tell me
he gave it to me straight. And all I had to do was look in his eyes and knew he
was telling me the truth. I could feel it in every part of my body. I still can
too. I believe even if Paul hadn’t imprinted on me, we’d still be together. I
didn’t move here for any specific reason. Clearly the gods had something to do
with it.”
Jared nodded as he gave Evie a hug, “Go see him. I left him a snoring pile of
flesh in his room.” Evie nodded as she watched Jared open the front door and
let her in. Making sure to close and lock the door behind him as he replaced
the key back under the steps of the front porch and hurried to get home to Kim.
Chapter 16
Evie walked into the living room and set her keys and sweatshirt on
the couch. She swallowed hard as she walked down the hallway as quiet as
possible. She peered into Paul’s bedroom and couldn’t help the smile that
crossed her face as she heard his heavy breathing, apparently no longer
snoring.
Evie stepped closer to the bed and her hand went out and combed through his
hair. It was still damp but she knew his body temperature had clearly dried it
most of the way. She watched as he shifted in the bed. Evie leaned down and
placed soft kisses on his broad shoulders as she slowly moved onto the bed next
to Paul, his warmth already making its way across to her.
Her soft lips brushed against his neck and up to his strong jawline,
her soft fingers touched his hand and slowly moved up his forearm to his bicep
where her fingertip traced the tattoo on his right upper arm.
Paul’s eyes fluttered opened slightly as all his senses started coming back to
him. He could feel soft fingers and even soft lips touching and placing kisses
all over his warm skin. Paul started to slowly move around, he felt the fingers
touching his hand once again and his fingers wrapped around the cold hand, and
he knew who it was. No one’s hands were ever that cold and the lips felt
familiar. “Evie, What are you doing here?”
“I can leave if you want me too. Jared let me in.” Evie leaned over and pressed
her forehead to his temple, “I need to say something to you.”
Paul finished rolling over and sat up, his hands finally touching Evie as he
ran his fingers through her hair and cupped her cheek, “You can tell me
anything Evie.” He watched as her tongue came out and wet her lips as she
rolling them together, he loved watching her do that, she was sitting on her
feet facing him as she tucked her hair behind her ears and slowly moved closer
to him.”
Evie shook her head negatively as her bottom lip trembled. “I-I’m sorry Paul. I
didn’t mean to just push you away like that. I should’ve never let you leave
that day. I should’ve just let you in so we could talk, but my damn brain
wasn’t letting me hear anything you had to say. Emily came to see me and she
kept coming with Kim. I finally understand what imprinting means to you and the
rest of the pack. I understand why you didn’t want to. I don’t feel like I’m
forced to be with you and I’m not afraid of you or what our future holds,
because I know as long as I’m with you. I’ll never want or need to be loved by
anyone but you.”
Paul quirked an eyebrow, “Love?”
Evie smiled softly knowing neither of them had ever mentioned anything about
loving the other, Evie moved around and slowly sat straddled on Paul’s lap as
she cupped Paul’s warm cheeks, “Paul I don’t care if you’re not ready to say it
or hear it, but I’m telling you right now. I love you. I’ve never loved anyone
in my life as much as I love you right now.”
Paul couldn’t say anything as his lips came crashing into Evie’s. His warm
hands had gripped her hips and suddenly they had a mind of their own as they
slid up and pulled her t-shirt from her body and his lips slid down her throat.
Evie couldn’t help as she giggled against his lips as they made their way back
up and to her mouth. He devoured her lips with his.
“Should I assume by your reaction you love me back?”
Paul stopped and pulled away from her lips, “God Evie I’ve loved you since I
laid eyes on you. I was just stupid and stubborn about the imprinting. I wasn’t
going to let it control me or anything in my life; But the last three days
without you has been excruciating. I never want to go without you in my life
for even a second. The last 4 months and few weeks have been more amazing than
my whole life put together. Even if I hadn’t imprinted on you; I’d still find a
way to make you mine.”
“A simple yes would have sufficed Paul.”
Paul shook his head negatively, “Yes Evie. I love you.”
“Just as long as you’re sure I’m what you want than, I think I can handle
anything you throw at me.” As Evie punctuated her statement with a soft kiss on
Paul’s lips. His hands pulled her closer to his body if it was even possible.
Evie moaned into his mouth when his warm hand cupped her right breast through
her bra. She felt him slide the bra to the side as his lips kissed down her
throat and chest as he took her nipple into his mouth. Her fingers weaved
through his thick dark hair and tightened when she felt him suckling on her
nipple ever so softly. She could feel the tightness of his jeans rubbing
against her sensitive core through her own jeans.
Paul’s other hand slid between their chests which were crushed together as he
unfastened her front close bra, he slid the rough lace material from her
shoulders and tossed it aside as his lips left her right breast and danced
across her enflamed skin and latched onto her left breast as she moaned out feeling
his warm fingers dig into the flesh of her back pulling her even closer to him.
They were both panting as Paul moved around carefully on the bed and laid her
on the bedding as his lips started trailing warm moist kisses down her body. He
was knelt on the bed next to her, completely taking his time and he felt her
small hand reach out and gentled ran her index finger down his jean covered
erection as it pressed tightly against the zipper of his shorts. She watched as
Paul closed his eyes tightly and let out a few cuss words. She knew the exact
effect they were having on each other.
She felt Paul unbutton and unzip her jeans as he placed feather kisses on her
lower abdomen, she giggled as she looked down, “What are you doing?” Paul
wiggled his eyebrows at her, “Would you believe worshipping the place that will
help grow our future children?”
Evie smirked and couldn’t help asking, “And how many children are we having?”
Paul’s lips kissed all the way back up her body to her lips as he settled
himself on his side next to her as he kissed her neck and ears softly, his hand
slowly slid down her body and inside her jeans and panties as his fingers
started to tease her core. As her soft moans and mewls we’re music to his ears.
Paul’s mouth covered Evie’s as he kissed her breathless. Paul pulled his hand
from her jeans as his mouth started nipping her skin down her body as his hands
started tugging on her jeans to get them off her body, as the rough material
was sliding down her long legs, Paul’s mouth was leaving moist kisses along her
thighs, knees, calves, ankles and even feet as her pants joined her bra and
top.
Paul’s lips kissed their way back up her legs, Paul’s lips had just made it
back to Evie’s lips, when everything came to an abrupt halt when Paul and
Evie’s cell phones both started going off. Paul growled a few more cuss words,
“Do you think they’ll go away if we don’t answer?” Evie could stop the giggles,
“I don’t think so.” She could feel his erection against her inner thigh still
encased in his jean shorts. He was just ready to pull her panties off and drop
his shorts so they could re-unite, but apparently everyone had other plans.
Paul reached over and grabbed his cell off the night stand and flicked it open,
“What?” Evie sat up and placed soft kisses on his bare chest as she looked up
and watched as he nodded and mumbled ‘ok’. He flipped the phone closed as he
pushed it into his front pocket.
Paul leaned down and handed Evie her clothes as he kissed her soundly on the
lips, “Get dressed. Emily’s in labor.”
Chapter 17
Evie chewed on her thumbnail as she sat next to Paul in the waiting
room. Paul looked down and saw Evie’s right leg bouncing up and down. Paul
chuckled as his hand reached down and softly touched her knee. Paul chuckled
harder when Evie jumped in her seat, “Why are you so nervous?” Evie shrugged
her shoulders, “I’m just hoping Emily and the baby are safe that’s all.” Paul’s
arm went around Evie’s waist as he pulled her closer on the couch they were
sitting on as he kissed the top of her head.
“Oh thank god you two finally made up.”
Paul’s head popped up when Jake, Zeva, Jared and Kim
made their way down the hallway. Paul and Evie both stood up as Zeva and Kim both hugged Evie as Jake and Jared patted Paul
on the back. Jared walked up to Evie as he hugged her she whispered, “Thank you
Jared.” Jared chuckled, “Anytime honey. Anything for Paul remember that, he’s
been my best friend since we were kids.” Evie nodded her head, “Fully
understood.”
Evie turned to Paul as everyone was sitting down, “I’m going to go down the
hallway and use the restroom really fast.” Paul nodded, “C’mon I’ll show you
where it is, I think I should use the little boy’s room, now that I’m calmer.”
Evie blushed bright red as she giggled hard and swatted Paul’s arm. Paul
chuckled as his arm went around her waist and he led her down the hallway and
around the corner.
Once Paul finished his business, Paul was leaned against the wall outside the
girl’s restroom, across from the door. The door opened slightly as Evie locked
eyes with Paul as she chewed her bottom lip a little. Paul watched as she
quirked her index finger at him. Paul’s signature smirk appeared on his
beautiful lips as he looked left and right down the hallway and slowly crept
along the floor, he walked through the door as Evie closed and locked the door
behind Paul.
Paul turned and pushed Evie against the door as his lips came down onto hers.
Paul gripped her hips and pulled her around and lifted her, carefully setting
her bottom on the sink counter. Paul’s hands started sliding down her legs as
they pulled her shoes from her feet and then started working on the button and
zipper of her jeans. Getting them unfastened and unzipped and started tugging
her jeans off her body. His lips never left hers.
Her small hands slid down his toned body as they unfastened his shorts and she
giggled as they slid down his legs and fell at his feet. His erection was
already present as he slowly kissed her lips and slid himself into her willing
body.
She kissed his neck and trailed her lips down to his muscled shoulder. She
heard Paul groan softly and he began to claim her body as his. Evie whimpered
at the sensation and soon cried out.
“Are you…okay?” Paul spoke slowly, trying to hold on to his self-control. He
didn’t realize how tight she’d be after they hadn’t been together in a few
days, neither cared. They craved the release.
“I’m okay.” She whispered. In all honesty, she didn’t care because it was worth
it, “Please…don’t stop.” Paul nodded, placing a kiss to the end of her nose. He
grimaced as he tried to control himself. Finally, the union was complete and
Paul stayed still for a moment to give Evie a chance to adjust. To his
surprise, Evie raised her hips by instinct and human nature and drove him to
the brink of his sanity. “Evie…” He moaned her name, “Oh God.” He anchored her
head back and planted his mouth on hers as he began to thrust into her slowly,
and began to build up speed as his passion grew. He smiled down at her when he
heard her softly whimper. It gave him pleasure to know that he was giving her
pleasure. Her hands ran up and down his back, causing his thrusts to become
frenzied.
“Paul…” She whispered softly, looking into his eyes. Paul groaned, “You
feel…so…good.” He kissed the sensitive spot where her neck and shoulder met. He
felt her shifting and he pulled her from the counter and pushed her into the
wall as he slowed the pace and felt her lips pressing soft kisses to his
chest...Then pressed her forehead against his as he slowly worked his hips.
“Evie…” He rasped out. She was killing him! He grasped her slim hips with his
large hands and held her in place as he thrust more deeply into her. Evie
through her head back and cried out loudly as she neared her climax, “Paul!”
She cried in a half sob, half moan. She saw Paul clench his teeth as he reached
his climax and emptied into her. She reached hers a second later and braced her
hands against his chest, not noticing that she was digging her nails into him.
He let a semi-growl out and pulled her against him, still inside her. She
cuddled up to him, breathless and satisfied.
“I love you.” He brushed a piece of hair away from her face.
Evie smiled softly, "I love you too."
As they got dressed they couldn’t stop touching and kissing each other. Evie
combed her fingers through her hair and started to open the door, when Paul
grabbed her hand and pulled back to him as he capture her lips with his as he
cupped her face and deepened the kiss. Paul’s cell phone started going off as
their kiss broke and he flipped the phone open, “Yea?” Evie couldn’t help
giggling when she heard Kim’s voice asking where they’d disappeared too.
Paul chuckled, “Take it easy Kim, we just went for a walk, we needed to get
away and finish talking. We’ll be back in the waiting room in a minute and no
we didn’t get lost.” Paul flipped his phone closed as he pushed his phone back
into his front pocket. He leaned down and captured Evie’s lips again. Evie
laughed as Paul pulled away and grabbed her hand, “C’mon let’s get going. They
are gonna think we got lost soon.”
Paul and Evie made it back to the waiting room. A couple of hours later, Sam
walked out with blue scrubs on and a huge smile on his face. Everyone jumped up
and watched as Sam pulled the blue hair cap off his head, “Emily’s doing great.
We’ve got a son, Nathaniel Uley.”
Everyone huddled around Sam congratulating him and hugging him as well. A few
people went down to see Emily and Nathaniel and check on how they were doing.
Paul looked down at Evie, “You wanna go down and see them?” Evie nodded, “Of
course.” Paul placed his hand on the middle of Evie’s back and guided her down
the hallway to Emily’s room.
Emily’s smiling face looked back at Paul and Evie as a fussy blue bundle moved
around in her arms. Evie walked closer as she looked down, Nathaniel had thick
black hair already and definitely had Emily’s kind almond shaped eyes. Emily
sighed softly, “You want to hold him Evie?” Evie’s eyes widened, “Can I
really?” Emily nodded, “Yes of course honey.” Evie leaned over and Emily
carefully laid Nathaniel in her arms as she cradled the baby to her chest.
Paul stood behind Evie and watched as she interacted with the minutes old baby
boy. His heart felt as though it swelled inside of his chest. Evie felt Paul’s
warm hands as they wrapped around her arms as he looked over her shoulder to
look down at Nathaniel.
Once Evie gave Nathaniel back to Emily they bid everyone a good night and
walked to Paul’s truck. Paul glanced at Evie as he drove them back to his
house, “What are you thinking about Evie?” Evie had been staring out the window
as she chewed her bottom lip. She looked over at Paul and smiled softly, “What
our kids would look like…Do you want kids?”
Paul smiled at the thought, “In due time baby. All in due time.” He kissed the
back of her hand as they continued the drive in a comfortable silence.
Chapter 18
Everything between Evie and Paul went back to normal, as if they
didn’t hit a snag in their relationship. Brady was told to stay away from Evie
and especially Paul; until things were semi normal between Paul and Brady again
they didn’t want Paul maiming him by accident or on purpose. Evie had already
forgiven Brady but unfortunately Paul was definitely nowhere NEAR ready to
remotely forgive him for the bullshit he’d caused.
Things were moving smoothly for a while. By the time Paul and Evie had been
dating for a year, Zeva and Jake had gotten married.
No one even knew about it. Apparently eloping was just the thing for the two of
them. Zeva had never been so happy and the fact that
Jake knew he had made her that happy made him equally as happy.
Paul had talked Evie into moving in with him and selling her place, which he
wasn’t sure how he’d done it. On Evie’s days off from the hospital she spent a
lot of time with the other imprints and equally with Paul. She wanted to know
more about the tribe and how the other imprints reacted to finding out about
the pack and the girls had no problems telling her.
During the summer, the pack had picked up an unknown scent in the woods. They
didn’t know what it was and they didn’t want to alarm the imprints by telling
them something they didn’t know. The pack decided to double their patrolling.
If they covered more ground with at least two or three guys then eventually
they’d run into the stranger and figure out what he wanted.
After a few weeks of chasing the scent around without any breaks as to who the
scent belonged too, Seth was in Forks one night with Tina. It was their
official date night. They were engaged and would be married in December. Seth
liked to keep her happy but always on her toes so he always did something sweet
for her. Making one night a week when he didn’t have to patrol their official
date night, he’d take her into Forks or Port Angeles for a movie and dinner.
Once he’d taking her ice skating and dancing. There wasn’t really anything he
wouldn’t do or try for her. Whatever her little heart desired he did it. He
loved her and knew it was worth it to see her smile.
Seth had just closed the passenger door on his truck after having helped Tina
inside when his nose caught the same scent that was littered all over the trees
and woods in La Push. Seth opened the passenger door and pushed the door lock
down as he looked at Tina, “Don’t get out no matter what; if something happens
call Sam and then get back to La Push as fast as you can…Understand?” As he
handed her the truck keys and his cell phone. Tina swallowed hard she could
tell something was up by the look in his eyes as she nodded slowly and watched
as he closed the door again.
Seth looked over at the figure walking away from him. The scent was all over
the person as Seth jogged up and grabbed his shoulder. The figure turned around
and his blood red eyes gave him away as Seth growled, “What are you doing here
you filthy leech?” The red eyed stranger smirked, “I’m not in your territory
mutt I can be here if I like.” Seth held onto his control, even though everything
inside of him was telling him to phase and rip the leech apart. Seth gritted
his teeth, “No but you’ve been on our land in the past. We’ve been chasing your
scent for weeks. STAY OUT OF LA PUSH OR IT WILL END BADLY FOR YOU.”
Seth’s voice held authority, even though all he wanted to do was get Tina out
of there. Seth could feel the electricity as it zipped up and down his spine.
He was shaking and looked as though his body was having a mini earthquake. The
stranger smirked, “You can’t tell me what to do mutt. We’re not even standing
on La Push land. I will go back and see her as much as I want.” Seth narrowed
his eyes as he growled out, “Who do you think would be stupid enough to live on
our land and see a blood sucker?”
The red eyed strangers deep chuckle filled the night air like a fog horn
sounding, “Who said she even knows I’m watching her? She’s quite beautiful
though. Violet eyes could send any man, mortal or immortal melting into a
puddle at her feet. Though it’s a pity she’s going to have to learn what pain
is before she can ever truly be happy. I’m going to kill her mate. Even if he
is one of you.”
The stranger turned to leave, but before he stepped away he looked back at Seth
as he smirked again, “Please tell Evetta, Rick says hi and I’ll be seeing her
soon. I don’t think she’ll have a problem remembering me at all.” His sinister
laughed filled the air again as he turned and disappeared into the night.
Seth walked back over to the truck his paled fiancé was sitting in. He placed
his hands on the door frame near the window as he leaned against his forehead
against the window and looked down trying to calm himself before he even
attempted to look at Tina or get in the vehicle with her. The cool pane of
glass was calming the fire the raged under his overly heated skin. Seth felt a
tap against the glass, as he pulled his eyes from the pavement below and they
instantly locked with Tina’s.
She smiled softly as she placed the palm of her hand against the window and
Seth placed his against the opposite side of the window over hers and she could
feel the heat through the glass. She knew by how warm the glass got that he had
been extremely upset with the guy he’d had words with. She couldn’t tell who
the guy was or what was being said, but whoever it was he’d managed to ruin
their date night. Sometimes she wished she could phase and bite the people who
pissed off or upset her fiancé. Seth truly was the one thing in her life she
couldn’t literally live without. Imprinted or not.
Tina pulled the lock on the doors and Seth pulled the door open as he
immediately took her into his arms, his hands came up and cupped her face as
his lips started at her forehead, than brushed against her cheeks and the tip
of her nose before finally claiming her lips. Tina’s hands came up and covered
Seth’s hands. She could still feel him slightly shaking; it was more of a hum
under his heated skin. Tina pulled back and looked up at him, “I’m okay Seth.
Nothing happened to me.” Seth nodded, “I know baby…That was just a little too
close for my liking. And definitely too close to you.”
Tina stared at Seth wide eyed, she’d just finally caught on that Seth had
confronted a vampire. When her bottom lip started to tremble, Seth shook his
head negatively, “Don’t worry he’s not going to hurt you ever. He’s definitely
after someone in the pack though. Let’s get you back to La Push.” He grabbed a
zip up sweatshirt and wrapped it around Tina’s shoulders as he kissed her lips
one more time, before closing the door again and walking around the truck and
taking his place behind the steering wheel.
The truck roared to life, as Seth pulled Tina across the seat and wrapped his
arm around her waist as he drove back to La Push, he looked down at her as they
stopped at a red light, “Go ahead and grab my phone and call Sam. Tell him we
need to have an emergency meeting and have him get a hold of Paul to bring Evie
as well.” The light turned green and Seth continued to Sam and Emily’s.
Tina listened as the phone rang in her ear, she heard as Sam picked up the
other line, Tina swallowed hard, “Sam its Tina. Seth told me to call you.”
Chapter 19
Paul looked over at Evie she was looking out the window like she
always did, she had her legs crossed at the knee and her hands were folded and
pressed between her knees. Sam had pulled them both from the warm spot on the
couch they’d been relaxing on as they lazily kissed and watched a movie. Well
they definitely did more kissing than movie watching. Each other’s lips were
just more entertaining at the time. Paul chuckled as he reached over and tugged
on Evie’s hand. She let the hand that Paul had been tugging on slip out and
into his as he laced their fingers together and kissed the back of her hand.
Paul looked over at the familiar violet eyes he was so taken with, “I’m sure
Sam just wants you to come keep Emily and Nathaniel company while we have out
pack meeting.” Evie made a face, “Paul, Sam never wants the imprints around
when you guys have your pack meetings, which is why you guys always leave the
house for them. And especially if he’s calling an emergency meeting.” Paul
shrugged his shoulders, “I’m sure I don’t know. It could be anything at this
point. What you spend all the time over there anyways with Nathaniel and Emily,
suddenly you don’t want to?”
Evie furrowed her brow, “You know I love going over there to see them. But I
also know an emergency meeting can’t be good.” Paul shook his head, “I’m
starting to think I’ve got competition against my own god son. I think you like
him more than me.” Evie swatted Paul’s arm, “Don’t be cheeky. I’m really
worried Paul.” Paul placed a kiss on the back of her hand again, “Don’t worry
so much Evie. You know I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Chances are
this is just a meeting about a patrol change or whatever. And you really are
there to keep Emily and Nathaniel company.” Evie nodded solemnly. And just
decided to not argue, she’d find out soon enough.
Once they arrived at Sam and Emily’s, Paul guided Evie into the house with his
hand on the small of her back. His heat was welcome. It usually helped calm her
in any situation that they’d had to face in the last 12 months they’d been
together. She couldn’t believe they had already been together for a whole year.
Evie really couldn’t have imagined what her life would’ve been like the last 12
months without Paul. And she didn’t really want to either.
As they walked into the house a loud squeal sounded from the kitchen floor as
Evie’s eyes sought out the source of the sound. A smile instantly appeared as
she saw Nathaniel sitting on his blanket looking up at her; he was smiling with
his arms raised as she watched his hands open and close to her. Evie squatted
down as he pulled himself up by tugging on her jeans and long hair.
Emily and Sam had walked into the kitchen because they’d heard the door and the
squeal. Emily giggled, “I thought I heard the squeal he lets out when he sees
you.” Evie giggled, “Yea. It was him.” Everyone had been surprised that Emily
and Sam had picked Evie and Paul as Nathaniel’s God parents. But once they saw
the way Evie was around Nathaniel they had no doubts in their minds as to why
they picked them.
Paul chuckled, “I knew it. I knew I was being replaced.” Evie giggled as
Nathaniel flopped into her arms as she stood up, lifting him with her, she
swatted Paul’s arm again; “Don’t be such a baby.” Nathaniel’s hand came out and
smacked Paul’s arm as Evie stated laughing harder, “My thoughts exactly
Nathaniel. Huh. Uncle Paul’s just jealous.” Her lips kissed his forehead as
Paul growled against Evie’s neck as she couldn’t contain her laughter.
Nathaniel let out a squeal as he slapped Paul’s arm again.
Paul chuckled and held up his hands, “Okay little man, I’ll leave Auntie Evie
alone. Even though she is MY girlfriend.” Evie continued to giggle as Paul
leaned down and whispered, “Go ahead and keep laughing. I’ll take care of you
tonight.” His warm breath brushed against her ear causing her to shiver.
Sam looked up when Seth and Tina walked through the door with the rest of the
pack in toe. Sam gathered the pack and ushered them all back out the door. Paul
leaned down and kissed Evie’s lips softly, “I’ll be right outside if you need
me.” She smiled as she nodded, “I’ll always need you.” As she winked at him;
Paul smiled he understood the hidden message as he nodded and followed the guys
outside.
Paul stood in a circle with his arms crossed over his chest, “Okay pup, what
was so important we had to have an emergency meeting on your date night.”
Seth frowned, “The scent we’ve been killing ourselves tracking and following
all over the damn woods for. I ran into it in Forks tonight and had Tina with
me. I put her in the truck and confronted him. It was a God damn leech. His
beady little red eyes stared at me as if he knew every word that was going to
come out of my mouth. I told him to stay off our land or it was going to end
badly for him. He just stood there and laughed in my face. Said I couldn’t make
him do anything. We said a few more words and then he said he was going to see
the one with the violet eyes.”
Silence hit the pack fast as Paul’s arms fell to his sides and his hands balled
into fists, “Violet eyes? Evie is the only violet eyed girl on the rez. What
the hell are you talking about pup and choose your words wisely.” Seth growled,
“Look I’m only telling you what the guys said…But there is more if you want to
hear it.”
Paul growled, “Don’t test me pup.” Seth growled back, “I haven’t been a damn
pup in a while you need to stop that shit.”
“BOTH OF YOU KNOCK IT OFF!” Sam growled through clenched teeth. “Seth continue
now and Paul shut up and listen; this involves your imprint.”
Paul and Seth both cringed when Sam used his alpha voice. Seth cleared his
throat, “He wanted me to deliver a message to Evie…Actually no he didn’t say
Evie he said her full name; Evetta.” Jake frowned, “What was the message Seth?”
Seth looked at the ground and then back up at everyone as he sighed heavily,
“He told me ‘Please tell Evetta, Rick says hi and I’ll be seeing her soon. I
don’t think she’ll have a problem remembering me at all’. Then he sorta laughed about it. And he had the creepiest laugh like
you knew just by his laugh he was up to all sorts or bad shit. Sam I nearly
lost it and phased in Forks just to tear him apart. I’m sorry I couldn’t do it
Paul. Had he been in La Push I would’ve.”
Paul shook his head negatively, “No this asshole is mine. Evie sent him to
prison for attempted murder. He’s the one who attacked her when she was 17 and
stabbed her fifteen times. I want him in La Push so I can rip him apart, set
him on fire and piss on his ashes myself.”
Evie had stepped onto the porch to get some fresh air after having put
Nathaniel to bed for Emily. Evie was standing on the porch, unaware that the
guys were standing a few feet from her and had heard everything, she gasped
when she heard Rick’s name mentioned, Paul spun around and watched as she
crumbled to the porch, “He’s back…No this can’t be happening…He’s back…Oh my
God, He’s back. He’s gonna kill me.” She started blinking as the black spots
behind her eyes started blocking out her vision, Paul immediately ran to her
and pulled her into his arms as she grabbed onto him as her hands fisted his
t-shirt tightly in her hands.
She was vaguely aware of him touching her as she completely blacked out in his
arms.
Chapter 20
Pain radiated through her head. She started moving around and groaned
as she touched her hand to her head. She knew if she had a headache she must’ve
blacked out on Paul and the guys. Her eyes fluttered open and peered into the
darkness of the room. She could feel yes on her and knew they were Paul’s.
“Evie?”
Paul’s soft voice cut through the silence and darkness in the room.
A warm hand touched the side of her face, “I was worried about you. Are you
okay baby?” Evie’s hand covered his as she looked at his eyes, that she could
see staring at her once her eyes adjusted to the dark. Evie nodded, “I’m okay.
I’m so sorry I freaked out. I didn’t mean to worry you.” Paul’s lips kissed
hers, once, twice and a third time, “It’s okay. I’m sorry you had to hear all
the crap about Rick.”
Paul could feel her body when it tensed as he lay on the bed and gathered her
into his arms, “Calm down please. I don’t want you getting worked up again.”
Tightening his arms around her being sure to bring her closer to his body;
letting his heat relax her as it always managed to do. Paul let his fingertips
trace along her soft skin getting her to calm down, “Do you trust me Evie?”
Evie couldn’t help but sniffle as a few stray tears slipped out of her eyes,
“Yes of course. I didn’t mean to imply I didn’t, I swear.” Paul’s thumbs softly
rubbed under her eyes as he wiped her tears away, “It’s okay Evie, calm down
please baby. I swear he won’t touch you. Not even for a second. I swear I will
protect you with my life. Even if I have to be with you 24/7.” Evie giggled a
little as she buried her face in Paul’s chest.
“If I ask you a question, will you tell me the truth?”
Paul looked down at Evie, “Of course I will. We don’t have any secrets between
us anymore.” Evie looked up and with the moonlight shining through the bedroom
window, she could see his eyes perfectly, “Rick’s a vampire isn’t he?” Paul
frowned as he nodded, “Yes he is. But please don’t worry. I swear the pack and
I are going to keep you safe at all times. I promise.” Evie moved around and
snuggled deeper into Paul’s embrace, fully welcoming his warmth, “Why did he
have to come around now? Everything is going so perfect with us.”
Paul brushed his lips against Evie’s forehead, “Don’t even start thinking that
he’s ruining anything between us. Evie you’re my soul mate and I love you more
than anything in my life. You’re the first person since my mother died who
makes me want to live more and love more. You make me want to be a better man.
I had such a terrible temper when I was younger and it’s been going away. The
longer you’re in my life the more I don’t have a reason to hate being what I
am.”
Evie’s small hands cupped Paul’s overly warm face as she kissed his lips
softly, “Please don’t hate what you are Paul. You have no idea how proud of you
I am for being what you are. You’ve got so much courage and strength to protect
your people from soulless monsters who kill for no reason. I couldn’t even
imagine doing something like that. Let alone doing it at the age of sixteen.”
Paul’s hands covered Evie’s, “But you went through something just as intense
when you were seventeen. Your strength gives me strength and it always will.”
Evie shook her head negatively, “I think our love makes us stronger.” Paul
nodded as he kissed her lips softly, “I couldn’t agree more.” He kissed her
lips a couple more times, “You wanna go home or just camp out at Emily and
Sam’s for the rest of the night. The pack will protect you wherever you decide
to sleep at night.”
Evie kissed Paul’s lips back, “Let’s go home. If I’m going to get comfortable,
I want to be in our bed.” Paul nodded as he pulled himself from the bed and
turned the light on and helped Evie stand from the bed as he grabbed his sweat
shirt and helped her put it on and zipped it up. Paul tapped the end of Evie’s
nose with his index finger, “C’mon beautiful. Let’s go home. Maybe we can
finish this night the way we’d intended to; before we were so rudely
interrupted.”
Paul wrapped his arm around Evie’s waist and walked her down the hallway and
into the living room where Emily and Sam were sitting wrapped in each other’s
arms. The both stood up when they saw Evie and Paul walk in, “What’s going on
Paul?”
Paul looked up when he heard Sam’s voice, “I’m taking Evie home. Can you let
the guys know? She said she’d be more comfortable there. And I want her calm
and comfortable.” Emily frowned, “Are you sure honey? You know you can stay as
long as you want. We’ve got plenty of room and always do for the guys and their
imprints.” Evie smiled softly, “I’m sure. It feels like home here, but I just
want to sleep in our bed and try not to think of the bad things. At least for
one night.” Sam nodded, “Whatever makes you feel better Evie. If you decide you
want to come back you are more than welcome.”
Evie nodded as she thanked them both before Paul grabbed her hand and led her
out to his truck. He opened the driver door and watched as Evie got in and
followed behind her as he took her back to their home.
About an hour later they were lying in bed after having made love, Evie
trembled from the intensity of their coming together. She'd never felt so much
love for one man in all her life. It was almost too much to bear. She could
feel the tears sliding down her cheeks as she wrapped the sheet around her body
and sat on the bed. She never thought she could love anyone again. She thought
she was physically broken from being able to find happiness again. Now the last
year with Paul and she could feel him running through her body. She sat waiting
for him to return to the bedroom.
Paul walked out a few minutes later, seeing her glowing from head to toe from
their love making, and smiled. He lifted her up in his arms, carrying her into
the bathroom and set her down in the warm water. She would be sore; they’d been
a little rough with each other and he didn’t want her to feel any pain and
joined her moments later. He pulled her around and began running a sponge over
her soft skin, after soaping it up with her gardenia scented body wash. “Does
that feel good, beautiful?”
Evie leaned against Paul’s chest enjoying his hands all over his body. She had
his hand flat between both of her hands, as her lips softly kissed his hand and
fingers then his knuckles as she felt his other hand rubbing her shoulders,
arms and sides softly. She pushed back against Paul’s chest again as she felt
his lips on her neck. “Mmm you feel good against my skin.” There was a sweet
ache between her legs, but she didn’t care. It felt too good to ever complain
about.
“The feeling is more than mutual.” Paul murmured in her ear, pulling her head
back until he kissed her soundly, his hand caressing her neck soothingly. Both
of them fully relaxing and just enjoying the peace that surrounded them. Evie
turned and looked into Paul’s eyes, she saw something in them, her hand came up
and cupped his face, she had noticed the serious look in his eyes. Her thumb
slowly rubbed along his lips. “Is everything okay?” She leaned up and rubbed
her nose against his.
“Everything is perfect.” Paul assured her, running his fingers through her soft
silky wet hair, not believing the beauty the ancestors chose for his imprint.
He was truly blessed and buried his nose in her neck, just enjoying this
moment. “I was thinking about the future with us.” He chuckled when she began
running her nails up and down his forearm lovingly, trying to soothe him. He
had to admit, the feeling did more than soothe, it actually made him begin
rising to the occasion again.
Evie turned herself so she was sideways in the tub with her feet tucked under
her, as she snuggled deeper into Paul's arms and chest as she stared up at him,
Evie smiled softly as she kissed his chest and slowly kissed up and across his
Adam's apple. "Now then...What about this future for us...What exactly are
you planning ahead for? Cause you definitely got me curious."
Chapter 21
“We’ll cross those bridges when we come to them.” Paul stated and
kissed her lips, beginning to wash her body, ignoring what she said about him
hiding something from her. Paul knew he had no choice doing so. If she knew the
truth, it would be dangerous for her in case the bloodsuckers did come looking
for her. “Just know that I’m always here to protect you, Evie. If anyone
touched you, I rip their throats out.” He lifted her chin with his strong hand,
watching her eyes widen slightly. “Do you understand?”
Evie smiled softly as her hand touched his cheek, "I know what you say is
the truth, because I can feel it. I can feel you. Everything inside of me knows
you'd never hurt me, or let anyone get away with hurting me. I know you'd be
here to protect me no matter what. I trust you Paul. I trust everything about
you. I've never felt this closely in tune with someone.” Paul smiled softly, “I
can feel you too…” His nose buried in her neck, inhaling her scent, growling
softly. “Every…single…inch…of…you…” With each word, he paused to kiss across
her neck until he reached the other side, feeling her squirm against him.
Evie squirmed against Paul’s body and she couldn’t help stifle a giggle when
his lips were touching her neck. Evie moved around more in the huge tub and
carefully sat straddled on Paul’s lap as she wrapped her arms around his
shoulders and buried her face in his neck and just breathed in his scent. Her
fingernails were softly tracing patterns on his warm bare skin. “Mmm…Let’s get
out of here, I think my skin is pruning.” As she giggled and softly kissed his
neck.
“Your wish is my command.” Paul lifted her with ease, knowing his body
temperature would keep her from getting cold as they both walked out to the
bedroom. He grabbed a towel on their way to the bedroom and proceeded to set
his imprint down on her feet, towel drying her from head to toe. He stole a few
kisses from her and couldn’t help feeling the happiness completely engulf him,
focusing his full attention on Evie, finally leading her down on the bed with
another passionate kiss.
Evie felt his lips on her neck and shivered, running her fingers through his
hair completely loving the feeling of his hands on her body and thighs. He
whispered her name and she felt him settle between her thighs as his lips
kissed and caressed her neck, collar bone and across her chest. Evie pulled
back craving to feel his lips against hers, when suddenly a pair of blood red
eyes, Rick’s blood red eyes were staring back at her. Evie screamed out as she
thrashed suddenly aware that the hands and body that was touching her were ice
cold. Evie’s eyes snapped open and she felt hands on her arms as she jerked her
arms out of the hands and slid off the bed and scurried over into the corner of
the room rolled into a ball.
Paul bolted out of bed and stopped going toward Evie when she continued
screaming at the top of her lungs, blinking. “Whoa, whoa Evie, Evie calm down…”
He tried soothing her and his heart broke at the sight of Evie curled up in a
tight ball, knowing if he touched her, she would scream even more. The tears
slid down her cheeks like two rapid streams and Paul didn’t know what to do,
raking his hands through his hair in frustration. Paul simply sat a few feet
from her, wanting to reach out, but he had to wait until she calmed down and
snapped out of whatever nightmare she was still in.
Evie was shaking from head to toe; she couldn't understand why she had a dream
about a Rick. Tears slid down her cheeks as her lips trembled. Her eyes
suddenly turned up and saw Paul sitting there next to her trying not to touch
her. She could tell he was battling inner demons trying to grab her and make
sure she was ok. Evie finally moved around and she crawled over on her hands
and knees into his lap and threw her arms around him and held onto him for dear
life. As if she let go he would disappear forever. She couldn't stand that
thought as she tried to stop herself from trembling.
Paul closed his eyes and held her close, stroking her back soothingly, trying
to calm her down. He knew she was in pain from the nightmare, knowing that was
the only thing that could make her scream the way she did. He promised right
then and there he would never let anything or anyone hurt her, especially a
bloodsucker. Scowling at the thought, Paul kissed her forehead while she
continued clinging to him for dear life, knowing she needed him more than ever
at that moment. “Shhh calm down beautiful, just calm down before your heart
gives out.” He whispered in her ear and Evie just tightened her grip on him
more. “I’m not going anywhere, I swear.”
Evie couldn't think straight. Her whole body was freezing; every place Rick had
touched her in the nightmare felt like it was frozen solid. Paul's body heat
was slowly warming her again. Evie finally calmed down as she pulled back from
Paul's body and looked up at him. Her breathing was slowly going from erratic
to calm, Paul's sheer presence helped in that process as she looked up into his
eyes; her lips still trembling slightly...She had to ask...She couldn't not
ask...She finally swallowed and through shaky speech she asked the burning
question on the end of her tongue, "W-why am I having a nightmare about
Rick?"
Paul blinked and mentally cursed to himself, having heard of this happening.
Any time an imprint felt danger lurking, they would start having dreams of that
possible threat and Paul cursed a few times as he held Evie tighter, “It
doesn’t matter really because as soon as we get to him, he’s going to be done
for.” He assured her, watching her eyes widen slightly. “I’m sorry I can’t
protect you from the nightmares but I will protect you from Rick.” “Please
don’t apologize for not being able to protect me from nightmares or bad dreams.
You can’t protect me from everything.” Evie whispered against Paul’s neck.
Paul helped Evie as she stood up and she walked over, pulling some jeans on and
a form fitting t-shirt as she looked at Paul and watched as he pulled his
shorts on and smoothed a t-shirt over his chest. Evie felt defeated as she
stood next to the bed, Paul stood in front of her as he wrapped his arms around
her waist and he pressed a kiss to the top if her head, “Listen I have to go
patrol, as much as I hate this thought Brady is going to be outside if you need
anything and Seth will be around to check on you.”
Evie looked up as Paul looked down into her eyes, “I wish you’d forgive Brady.
It was so long ago. I forgave him.” Paul shook his head negatively, “Not yet.
You forgave him because you’re a lot nicer than me. Until he imprints he’ll
never understand what he could’ve ruined for us. Once he imprints he’ll figure
it all out and then and only then will I forgive him. I know I’m stubborn about
it, but he doesn’t have a clue. And until he does I will not show him any
mercy.”
Evie pushed up on her toes as she softly kissed his lips, “Okay ya big brute.
Just try not to be so hard on him…Please for me.” Paul groaned when she rubbed
her body against his as he chuckled against her lips, “You are such a cheat,
using your womanly wiles against me.” Evie giggled as Paul’s hands slowly slid
down her body and gripped the back of her thighs and lifted her up, as she
wrapped her legs around his waist.
Paul chuckled, “Come join me on the bed, I have something for you.” Evie
relaxed in his arms. Once his warmth ran through her the nightmare was long
forgotten. Paul settled Evie in the middle of the bed, lying down against the
pillows, a few minutes later Paul joined her. She smiled softly as his lips
danced across hers. Paul pulled back as he stared into her violet eyes, “I have
a serious question to ask you. I definitely want a serious answer too.” Evie
smiled softly, “I’ll answer to the best of my ability.”
Paul smiled softly as he took her left hand into his and pressed several kisses
to it, “Will you marry me?” Evie gasped, completely not expecting that question
to pass through his beautiful red lips. Evie smiled, “Are you really sure about
this?” Paul nodded, “I love you so much. There’s nothing else I am more sure of
right now.” Evie blinked out a few stray tears as she nodded, “I would love to
be your wife for the rest of our lives.” Before she knew it she could feel
Paul’s hand grabbed her left hand as he slipped a silver band with a three
diamond stones on her left ring finger.
The spent a few more minutes kissing and just relaxing with each other when
they heard a howl outside, Paul kissed Evie’s lips once more, “That’ll be
Jared. Try and get some rest. I’ll be home in a few hours. Brady will be
outside and Seth will be around, so don’t worry.” Evie nodded as she watched
Paul take off out the front door.
She couldn’t help staring at the ring as it sparkled on her left ring finger.
Chapter 22
Evie got up later after napping a little; she walked outside onto
the porch and saw Brady sitting in wolf form next to the steps. Evie walked
down and sat on the steps as she rubbed behind his ears. Brady let out a soft
whine. Evie giggled, “Go phase please. I think it’s time we had a talk Brady.”
Brady huffed out a sigh as he took off into the tree line and came back as his
human self with cut off shorts on. Brady sat on the steps next to Evie.
“Evie I know what you’re going to say.” Brady sighed out.
Evie shook her head negatively, “No you don’t.” She ran her fingers through her
hair, “Look. I don’t know why you told me all that stuff about Paul and I don’t
really care anymore. But I want you to understand how bad it hurt me and Paul
to be away from each other those few days. I know you couldn’t possibly
understand what it feels like to be away from someone you love so much until
you imprint yourself. I take pride and joy knowing that your Quileute God’s
chose me, a complete outsider of your tribe, as Paul’s soul mate. I know why he
was so stand offish and why he didn’t want to imprint
at first. It’s fairly obvious all of you guys don’t want to imprint and for
good reason. You all want to be in control of your own fate in life. You all
want to fall in love with someone the old fashion way and not have it chosen
for you. You want to make your own decisions.”
Brady nodded, “Yes we do. I don’t want to just be told to love someone I don’t
even know. I mean I could get lucky like Paul did and be linked to a beautiful
woman who loves me the rest of our lives or I can be linked to someone who
rejects me completely and then I’m stuck loving someone who just doesn’t love
me.”
Evie smiled softly, “Well I believe you can fall in love with anyone you want.
But imprinting is just a shove in the right direction. The Quileute God’s have
you guys imprint on your soul mates because that’s who you are supposed to be
with. I know all of you gave Quil shit when he imprinting on Claire and she was
only two years old. It doesn’t matter who you imprint on. That’s who you all
are supposed to be with. It’s just the way it’s supposed to be. You love, get
married, have children and live the rest of your lives happily ever after. As
cheesy as it may sound.”
Brady nodded, “Do you really love Paul or do you think it’s the imprint?”
Evie looked down at the wood steps, “You know about my life prior to moving to
La Push right?” When Brady just nodded, Evie chewed her bottom lip, “Right. And
now Rick is a vampire and claiming he’s going to kill Paul but yet he wants me
to know he is watching me. I had to overcome a lot of insecurities and fear of
dating another guy who could potentially hurt me physically, emotionally and
even verbally. The minute Paul landed in the sand at my feet; I just felt like
all of my worries and fears were gone. Completely. Suddenly my past was wiped
clean and Paul was my fresh start. He is my future. I don’t know if it’s from
the imprinting or if it’s just something I am supposed to feel. I don’t really
care either. I love him. I love how he makes me feel safe by just saying one
word.”
Brady smirked, “Which word is that?” Evie giggled, “It can be ‘morning’ when we
first wake up in each other’s arms. Or every once in a while he just looks at
me and says ‘hi’. It’s out of the blue and it gets my attention. Sometimes it
doesn’t even have to be a word. A kiss or the way his whole body just seems to
wrap around mine on really cold nights. A soft caress in the middle of the
night to let me know he’s still there; No matter what. I have never loved
anyone in my entire life as much as I love him.”
Paul’s nearly onyx eyes watched from the trees as Brady and Evie talked back
and forth.
He wanted to growl and snarl with the few questions Brady had asked Evie, but
his brain was too numb from her answers to do anything. He couldn’t believe
he’d really made her feel that way. Somewhere in the back of his mind he always
thought it was the imprinting that made her do or feel any of it. But as he sat
out of sight and listened to her, it was all so suddenly clear. He knew she
loved him; and now? Now he could feel it running through his body. He could
feel it before, but now it was multiplied by at least a thousand.
Paul finally walked out of the trees in his wolf form. Brady stood up as he
looked down at Evie as she looked up and nodded to him, Brady nodded, “Thanks
Evie. And I really am sorry about everything.” Evie nodded, “I know sweetie. Go
patrol and let me deal with the big bad wolf.” She winked at Brady as he
laughed and ran off to the trees.
Evie stood up and planted her hands on her hips as she walked down the steps
and watched as Paul’s wolf form walked up to her as she quirked an eyebrow at
him, “And what do you think you’re doing? Aren’t you supposed to be
patrolling?” She giggled when Paul grumbled. His head lowered as Evie walked up
to him and ran her fingers through his thick grey/silver fur. Evie rubbed her
cheek against his furry cheek as she sighed softly, “I love you.”
Evie felt a full body grumbling purr go through him. Evie giggled, “I know you
love me too baby.” She pulled back and locked his eyes with hers as she rubbed
her nose against his old wet one, “Go finish patrol. I’ll be waiting for you to
come home. I promise I won’t go anywhere without you.” Evie placed a kiss on
his snout as she watched him take off back into the trees.
Evie busied herself as she cleaned up the house and did laundry and made sure
Paul would have clean cut offs and t-shirts. She made lasagna for dinner and
placed it in the fridge so Paul would have something for dinner. She lay across
the bed around 10 pm and drifted off to sleep waiting for Paul to get finished
with his patrol.
“Evie…Evie wake up baby.”
Paul’s soft voice rumbled in Evie’s ear as she slowly moved around on the bed.
She eyes slowly fluttered open as her violet eyes looked into Paul’s onyx eyes.
Suddenly she noticed he looked panicked and worried. Evie’s eyes opened wider
as she sat up with a start, “What’s wrong?”
Paul was standing shirtless in front of her, “C’mon I need you to get your
socks and shoes on baby.” Evie took the socks from Paul’s hand as he grabbed
her sneakers, “What’s going on Paul…Tell me please.” Paul took a breath trying
to keep his temper in check, “Rick is on the land, his scent is all over
outside the house, so he’s gotten close and has been watching you all damn
night.”
Evie slipped her sneakers on and noticed Paul’s hands were shaking from his
anger. She stood up and grabbed his hands in hers and pulled him closer to her,
“Look at me Paul.” Paul locked eyes with her as she smiled softly as her hands
softly rubbed up and down his forearms, “Calm down. I can feel you shaking. I
know you’re angry and upset so just breathe a little.” Paul nodded as he slowly
started to calm down.
Evie nodded when she noticed the shaking was slowly subsiding, “Kiss me.” Paul
leaned down and pecked her lips. This was completely not how he ever kissed
her. Evie smacked Paul’s chest when his head snapped up and looked at her,
“What?” Evie scowled, “You call that a kiss?” Paul scowled back, “What would
you call it?” Evie rolled her eyes, “I’d call it a sad excuse for a kiss.”
Paul raked his hands over his face as he sighed heavily, “I’m trying to get you
to Emily and Sam’s so we can go hunt for the piece of shit who wants to kill me
and turn you and you want me to shove my tongue down your throat.” Evie smacked
his chest again, “No I don’t want you to shove your tongue down my throat, but
when I tell you to kiss me, and I don’t want some sad pathetic wimpy lipped
kiss from my so called fiancé. I want a kiss from my future husband that will
curl both our toes.”
Paul growled, “We don’t have time for this right now Evie. Please just let me
get you to Sam and Emily’s.” Evie nodded, “Fine. Let’s go.” She rolled her eyes
as she grabbed her sweatshirt and pulled it on as she walked out of the house
and got in Paul’s truck. Paul sighed heavily. Damn it he really needed to get a
handle on his temper, but knew it wasn’t going to happen until him and the pack
did away with Rick.
Chapter 23
Once Paul got Evie to Sam and Emily’s; they waited for everyone else
to get there. Once everyone else got there the guys made sure the imprints were
settled. Paul watched as Evie and Kim talked. She hadn’t said much on the ride
over, and he was feeling guilty, because he’d been slightly cold towards her.
He honestly couldn’t blame her; he’d woke her up out of a deep sleep just to
rush her out of the house. He knew she was scared. He could not only feel the
fear but smell it as well. She put up a good front on being tough, but she knew
no matter who or what she faced in life, Rick would always be the one person
who frightened her.
Jared nudged Paul’s side, “Get her to talk to you yet?” Paul shook his head
negatively, “No.” Jared chuckled, “Damn dude you look like someone stole your
chew toy.” Paul grumbled, “Oh you’re hilarious.” Jared smirked, “Paul you’re my
best friend. You know I’d never lie to you. So I’m going to give you the hint
you need. Earlier tonight you showed me what Evie said about you to Brady. And
how she felt and how you made her feel. You make her feel safe with little
things, a word, a touch and even a kiss. Hello KISS? Does that ring a familiar
bell anywhere in your head? If you know she’s scared she tells you to kiss her,
it’s not because she wants you to get a quick cop a feel in. It means she wants
you to kiss her and make her still feel safe.”
Paul scoffed, “Even if I am just trying to get her to hurry because her safety
is more important than kissing?” Jared chuckled, “Dude, nothing is more
important than making your imprint feel safe; Even if it is with just a kiss.
Since when have you had issues kissing your imprint?” Paul shook his head,
“Since she became my fiancée.” Jared’s eyebrows shot up, “You asked her
finally? You’ve only been hiding that damn ring for the last 4 months.”
Paul smirked, “Yea. I finally asked her.” Jared looked over, “And I’m assuming
since she’s wearing the ring she said yes.” Paul chuckled, “Yea of course. I
never doubted she wouldn’t accept. I think I was just a little cold towards
her. I can feel her fear. I just…Sometimes I’m scared that were not enough to
protect her. I know what that monster did to her when he was human. I can only
imagine what he’s got in store for her now that he’s a vampire.”
Jared shook his head, “We all feel that way about our imprints, not just you.
We know this is a little more personal for the two of you, but you have to
believe that we know our job. We’ve been doing this since we were sixteen. I’d
like to think we’ve gotten better as we’ve gotten older.” Paul chuckled,
“Agreed.”
Sam cleared his throat, “Okay guys let’s get going.” The guys all walked
outside and were saying bye to their imprints.
Evie watched as Paul spared her a look and walked out of the house. As soon as
Paul stepped off the bottom step, he heard Evie’s voice, “Paul wait.” Paul
turned and watched as Evie jogged down the porch steps and jumped off the
bottom step into Paul’s arms wrapping her legs around his waist and buried her
face in the side of his neck. She could already feel the tears as they slid
down her cheeks. She swallowed hard, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to blow it out
of proportion. I love you and I don’t care about anything but you coming back
to me in one piece.”
Paul shuttered feeling her body against his as he held her tightly, “No. I’m
sorry. You’re right, it was a sucky kiss. I have
never kissed you like that before and it was weak. You are my future wife.
You’re the half of my heart that completely makes me whole.” Paul carefully
lowered her to her feet as he cupped her cheeks and captured her lips.
When Paul pulled away he saw her eyelashes fanning her cheeks and after a few
minutes her eyes fluttered open. Her violet eyes peered up at him as he saw a
few tears slip from her eyes as his thumbs quickly caught them and rubbed them
away. Evie pushed up on her toes and kissed his lips softly once more, “Just
promise me you’ll be careful. I want you to come back to me in one piece.”
Paul smirked, “Yes ma’am.”
Evie’s violet eyes turned to Jared when he stepped up beside Paul. She pointed
at Jared, “I expect you to watch over him for me. Just like Kim expects Paul to
watch over you.”
Jared smirked, “Yes ma’am.”
As the girls all started to head back into the house, Paul smiled, “I love
you.” Evie nodded, “I love you too.” Jake jogged over and threw a wink to Evie,
“Don’t worry Evie well keep him safe. Well as safe as anyone can keep him.”
Evie nodded as she saw Zeva walk up, “C’mon honey
let’s get back inside. We need to get everything locked up.” Evie nodded as Zeva tugged on her hand and she slowly moved backwards as
she watched the guys disappear into the trees.
It was about one in the morning and the girls were tired. They all dispersed
and fell asleep in different places. Some in beds, some in the living room, and
some even stayed up talking. Evie and Emily had really been the only two up.
Nathaniel had woke-up and Evie was holding him as Emily prepared a bottle for
him. Evie smiled, “I can’t believe how good he is.” Emily giggled, “Yea, he’s
been on baby food for a while. Usually if he wakes up in the middle of the
night I have him a half a bottle and than he’s back
out until morning.” Evie chuckled as she felt a tug on her hair. Her violet
eyes turned down to Nathaniel as she smiled, “I’m sorry baby boy. Was I not
paying enough attention to you?” Nathaniel giggled hard as Evie placed kisses
all over his face and head.
Once Nathaniel had his bottle, Evie watched as Emily walked the floor with him,
trying to get him to go back to sleep. Once Emily got him back to sleep she
went and put him back to bed. Emily made her way back to the kitchen. As she
rounded the corner to go into the kitchen howls filled the night air.
Suddenly the back door flew open as red eyes locked onto Emily’s brown ones.
She froze in her spot and watched helplessly as the vampire grabbed Evie and
dragged her out of the house.
Evie tried struggling, but she knew it was no use. The grip that Rick had on
her was impenetrable. She couldn’t pull herself out of his hands. She tried to
fight him more but it wasn’t working. She noticed he was trying to drag her to
the tree line, “I’m not going with you. You can kill me. But I’m not going
anywhere with you.”
Rick hissed, “You’re going with me because I’m going to bait your little
boyfriend so I can kill him.”
“He’s not my boyfriend anymore.”
Rick halted to a stop, “What do you mean he’s not your boyfriend anymore?” He
looked the same; Just paler with creepy red eyes. His skin was ice cold and she
felt like she was getting frost bit on her arms where he was touching her. Evie
glared at Rick, “He’s not my boyfriend anymore because he’s my fiancé. He asked
me to marry him and I said yes. What did you ever give me? Heartache and a near
death experience.” Rick chuckled sinisterly, “I’m about you give you another
near death experience, cause I’m about to turn you into something more fun for me
to play with.”
Ice cold hands wrapped around Evie’s throat as they started to tighten, she was
blinking rapidly trying to keep herself calm, but it wasn’t happening. Her fear
level was heightened as she could see the black spots already feeling up her
eyes as she sunk to the ground, Rick was practically sitting on her chest and
she was trying to push off with her feet but he was too heavy and way too
strong.
All too soon the blackness slipped in.
Chapter 24
Panic.
Fear.
Pain.
Emotions that Paul was suddenly overcome within his body. Paul stopped running
as he could feel all the emotions that Evie was feeling. Sam stopped next to
Paul, “What is it?” Paul looked at Sam and suddenly Sam felt the same thing
Paul was feeling only he was getting it from Emily. Sam growled ferociously as
they turned and abruptly headed back to Sam and Emily’s. Clearly something was
going on there.
Paul could smell Rick; as they made it to the clearing between the trees and
Sam and Emily’s house, Paul’s eyes caught the sight of Rick practically sitting
on his imprint choking her. Paul roared loudly and charged at Rick.
Rick looked up from Evie and hissed as he jumped from Evie and braced himself
for the impact of the large grey/silver wolf. He already knew it was Evie’s
mate. Paul was careful to roll him and Rick away from Evie’s lifeless body.
Paul couldn’t help whimper, ‘Jared get her out of here please.’
Jared jogged back to the trees, ‘I’m way ahead of you. I’ll get her inside and
call Dr. Cullen.’
‘NO! YOU KEEP THAT BLOOD SUCKER AWAY FROM EVIE!’ Paul growled out as he bit
into Rick and bit of his right hand.
Sam made the rest of the pack stay clear of Paul and Rick knowing Paul had to
destroy Rick on his own. It was about pride and protection. Sam grumbled,
‘Evie’s only chance is
going to be Carlisle, Paul and you know that.’
Paul growled, ‘Fine but Jared I swear to god if you leave her along with Dr.
Leech I’m kicking the shit out of you when I finish with this asshole.’ as he
bit into Rick again and ended up biting off his other hand.
Jared agreed, ‘Okay man I swear I won’t let anyone near her or around her alone
until you can be with her.’ Jared re-phased as he pulled his shorts on and
jogged back out to where Evie was laying in the grass, he carefully lifted her
into his arms and carried her back into the house.
Paul and Rick started rolling again as they were fighting. Paul thought for
sure he would give up once he’d lost both his hands, but such wasn’t the case.
Once they stopped rolling Rick was wrapped around Paul’s massive body as he
began squeezing and Paul could feel his ribs snapping one by one. Paul yelped
several times as he felt his ribs puncturing his lungs.
Rick threw Paul’s large wolf body to the ground and started to pounce on him
again as Jake and Sam ran up and jumped on Rick and effectively started ripping
his limbs from his body. Leah had a wolfie smirk
adorning her facial features as she jump and clamped her jaws around Rick’s
head and systematically yanked it from his body.
Paul phased back to human as he lay in the mud and began coughing up blood.
Once the rest of the pack dismantled Rick and set him on fire, they all phased
back and ran to help Paul. They carefully lifted him and helped him into the
house as well. Dr. Cullen had already checked out Evie and determined her
throat and windpipe was bruised but she would be okay.
Paul wanted to see her but Dr. Cullen insisted he be treated first. Jared left
Jake and Zeva to sit with Evie as he went and checked
on his best friend. Jared walked into the room and Sam was trying to get Paul
to sit still. Paul was growling and cussing, until Jared walked in. “Jared!
Please tell me Evie is ok.” Jared nodded, “Yea she must’ve had a panic attack
because she blacked out. She’s got some bruising. So don’t get too alarmed when
you get to see her.”
Dr. Cullen cleared his throat, “Paul, there’s not much I can do for you. The
accelerated healing has started but it doesn’t seem to be going fast enough.
You’re more than likely going to pass out from blood loss. What I would like to
do is medically sedate you until you heal fully. It probably won’t be any more
than a couple of days; five at the most. But I know how stubborn you are and I
do not want you moving under any circumstances.”
Paul looked at Sam and Jared and they both nodded solemnly. Paul looked back at
Dr. Cullen, “Okay. Go ahead and sedate me.” Dr. Cullen nodded as he watched
Paul lay back. About forty-five minutes later, Dr. Cullen had an IV set up and
connected to Paul’s arm and Paul was already out. Dr. Cullen had wrapped Paul
from the bottom of his chest to his waist tightly in white medical tape.
A couple of hours later, Evie’s eyes fluttered open as she tried focusing. She
could feel the headache as it rumbled through her head. She moved around slowly
as Jake moved over towards her. He noticed she opened her mouth but a raspy sound
came out, “Don’t try to talk much Evie. The doctor checked you out and said
you’re throat and windpipe is bruised. Talking might be kinds of difficult for
a while.”
Evie nodded, “Where’s…Paul?” Jake frowned, “Now don’t get over anxious, but he
got hurt while he was fighting Rick. Rick is dead, well again. We ripped him to
pieces…literally and then burned him.” Evie sat up slowly as she stared at
Jake, “I…want…to…see…him.” Jake shook his head negatively, “I don’t think
that’s a good idea Evie.” Evie frowned, “Please…”
Jake helped Evie stand up and walk into the room Sam and Emily had placed him
in. Evie gasped as she saw the color of Paul’s skin. His normally russet
colored skin was pale as a sheet of paper. Evie blinked and tears slid down her
cheeks, “What…happened?” Jake gripped her shoulders when she started to slump,
“His ribs were crushed and his accelerated healing wasn’t kicking in fast
enough. Dr. Cullen taped him up and placed him under sedation for the next 5
days or so, just until he heals fully.”
For the next five days, Evie never left Paul’s side, unless it was to shower or
use the restroom. She couldn’t. Her heart wouldn’t let her. Finally on the
fifth day, Evie went in and showered. Once she dressed in her jeans and a
t-shirt she went back to Paul’s room of course. Dr. Cullen was there, Jake had
explained who and what he was. He was a vampire, but a vegetarian vampire. He
and his family only drank animal blood instead of human. Dr. Cullen
disconnected the IV from Paul and cleared out of the house and reservation.
Evie noticed right away that Paul’s skin was gaining all his russet color back.
Evie sat on the bed next to Paul as she slightly ran her fingertip over his
skin softly. Dr. Cullen gave her the ok to remove the tape. She carefully ran
the scissors up his side cutting the tape as she went and carefully removed it.
The bruising that had been there when Dr. Cullen had re-taped his ribs a few
days prior was now got and replaced with his russet skin again.
When Evie ran her fingertips over his ribs a large hand came up and grabbed her
small hand as a chuckle echoed through the room. Evie’s violet eyes shot up to
Paul’s face as his sleepy eyes opened, “That tickles.” His other hand cupped
her face, “Evie, how are you feeling baby?” Evie nodded, “Ok…” Paul frowned;
her raspy voice matched the purple fingerprint bruising around her throat. His
soft fingertips lightly ran across the bruises as she leaned down and kissed
his lips softly.
Evie smiled, “My…Hero.” Paul shook his head, “Nope. Future husband.” Evie
smiled again, “Future wife.” Paul pulled Evie down and wrapped her in his arms,
“I love you.” Evie snuggled deeper into his warm embrace, “I love you too.”
Both just waiting patiently until they were to be married.
Chapter 25
~11 Months Later~
Quietness filled the entire house as the warm body that lay behind Evie made
her smile in contentment. She’d woken up about 3am and had to use the restroom.
Once she’d gotten back to bed she couldn’t fall asleep. Even though she really
wanted to…She was really tired, but she just lay there staring at the ceiling,
listening to her husband as he snored lightly. She couldn’t help giggling at
his snores.
His warm arm tightened around her waist, “Why aren’t you sleeping?” Evie
giggled again, “Because you’re snoring is annoying and cute at the same time.”
Paul moved around as he scoffed, “I don’t snore.” Evie turned in Paul’s arms so
she was facing him, “I had to turn you away from the window to keep you from
sucking in the curtains.” Paul chuckled, “Oh we got jokes now?” Evie squealed
when Paul buried his face in the side of her neck and growled against her
sensitive skin.
****************************
Feels like I have always known you
And I swear I dreamt about you
All those endless nights I was alone
It's like I've spent forever searching
Now I know that it was worth it
With you it feels like I am finally home
Falling head over heels
Thought I knew how it feels
But with you it's like the first day of my life
Cuz you leave me speechless
When you talk to me
You leave me breathless
The way you look at me
You manage to disarm me
My soul is shining through
Can't help but surrender
My everything to you
****************************
An abrupt cry out loud from the other room; pulled the two apart as Paul kissed
Evie’s lips softly, “Stay here. I’ll go get her.” Evie nodded as she watched
Paul slip from bed and disappear into the room across the hallway. Evie pulled
herself to sit up in bed as she flipped the lamp on next to their bed. A few
minutes later, Paul walked into the bedroom with a small fussy bundle wrapped
in a pink blanket. Paul walked over to Evie’s side of the bed as he carefully
laid his beautifully tiny daughter in Evie’s arms.
No one realized 11 months ago that Evie had been pregnant the night Rick
attacked her. So it was an even bigger surprise when they got married a month
later and announced the pregnancy at the wedding.
Evie looked down at her daughter who was barely 3 months old and still
extremely tiny. They had finally released her from the hospital earlier that
morning; she had been born prematurely and was only 4 pounds. Now she was 6 and
the most beautiful baby in the world. Paul watched as Evie breast fed the baby.
He leaned down and kissed his daughters head softly; Then leaned over and
kissed Evie’s lips softly as well.
Paul watched as Evie finished feeding Anna as he carefully got back into bed
and turned the light off, “C’mon we need to get some more sleep. We’re supposed
to take Anna over to Emily and Sam’s tomorrow for lunch. Sam has been keeping
everyone away so she could finish developing in the hospital. They can’t wait
to see her.” Evie giggled softly, “Good idea.” As she carefully laid Anna
between them as they faced each other. Paul couldn’t have been any happier with
his life. Married and the first of many children in his life with his soul
mate.
Paul’s warm hand was in the middle of Evie’s back as he guided her up the
stairs and into Sam and Emily’s house. Once the door opened Emily ran into the
kitchen and greeted Evie and Paul with hugs and kisses. Evie handed off Anna to
Emily as Nathaniel ran up to Evie. Evie of course lifted him into her arms
immediately placing kisses all over his face. He squealed happily. He said very
few words but would still squeal with Evie.
Emily smiled softly down at Anna, “Oh my goodness she’s absolutely perfect you
guys.” Sam walked into the kitchen as he peeked over Emily’s shoulder and
looked down at Anna, “So she’s what everyone has been making such a big fuss
about huh?” Emily’s elbow went back and into Sam’s ribs as he let out an
audible ‘oaf’. Evie and Paul couldn’t help laughing; only Emily would do that
to Sam and get away with it.
****************************
I thought I could resist you
I thought that I was strong
Somehow you are different from what I've known
I didn't see you coming
You took me by surprise and
You stole my heart before I could say no
Falling head over heels
Thought I knew how it feels
But with you it's like the first day of my life
You leave me speechless
When you talk to me
You leave me breathless
The way you look at me
You manage to disarm me
My soul is shining through
I can't help but surrender, oh no
My everything to you
****************************
A few minutes later, a seven month pregnant Zeva and
an overprotective Jake walked into the house as he helped her sit on the couch.
Zeva giggled at the worried look Jake had permanently
etched on his face for the last couple of months of Zeva’s
pregnancy. He was just so nervous about becoming a father and worried about Zeva. Their son was extremely feisty inside of her. And on
more than a few occasions his foot had gotten stuck between her ribs, she
couldn’t help but cry because it would hurt so much. Jake would rub back and
forth until he freed the baby’s foot.
The next few people to come through the door were happily engaged Seth and
Tina; Plus a nine month pregnant Kim and smiling Jared. Apparently a lot of the
guys in the pack had good timing with getting their imprints pregnant. Emily
was also at the beginning of her second pregnancy.
Everyone sat in the living room getting comfortable; Evie sat with Anna in her
arms talking with Kim and Zeva as the guys went out
back and Tina and Emily went into the kitchen to finish cooking. Zeva smiled, “I can’t believe how good Anna is being.” Evie
nodded, “Or has been. She sleeps through the night and eats well. She wakes up
every once in a while when there’s a loud noise or what not. Other than that
once she’s down she’s not up for a good 8 to 10 hours.” Kim giggled, “I can
only hope for the same thing with the twins.” As she rubbed her belly.
The girls heads turned as they watched Collin and Brady walked into the house
and then into the living room. They were going to walk through and out to where
the rest of the pack was, but Evie stood up with Anna in her arms, “Hey Collin,
can you tell Paul to grab Anna’s baby bag out of the truck?” Collin nodded,
“Sure thing Eves.” Collin disappeared outside as Brady chuckled, “Paul still
hates me right?” Evie giggled as she nodded, “Of course. He does know how to
hold a grudge.”
Brady looked down at Anna, “So she’s what’s been on his mind for the last
eleven months besides you huh?” Evie nodded, “Of course.” Brady suddenly locked
eyes when Anna opened her eyes at the sound of his voice. Kim’s eyes shifted
between Brady and Evie as her breath caught in her throat, “Oh…My god.” Evie
giggled as she looked at Kim, “What is it?” “It’s a…It’s a…He just…” Kim
stuttered over her words making Evie and Zeva giggle
at her harder.
Paul walked into the living room and handed over Anna’s bag as he chuckled at
the look on Kim’s face, “What’s wrong with her?” Evie shook her head
negatively, “I’m sure I don’t know, she just stuttered over a whole sentence.”
Kim pointed at Brady and Paul looked from Kim to Brady. Paul growled, “BRADY
NO!” When Paul roared out; Evie physically jumped, “What is going on?” Brady
started backing away, “I-I’m s-sorry.” As Paul started stalking towards him as
he growled out, “HE IMPRINTED ON OUR DAUGHTER!”
Laughter suddenly filled the living room. Paul turned and noticed it was Evie
who was laughing so hard, “Evie Why are you laughing? Do you not understand
what this means?”
Evie walked over and stood between Brady and Paul as she gave Paul a knowing
look she stepped in front of Brady and gentle set Anna into his arms. He was so
gentle and careful with her.
****************************
You leave me speechless
The way you smile, the way you touch my face
You leave me breathless
It's something that you do I can't explain
I'd run a million miles
Just to hear you say my name
Baby
You leave me speechless
You leave me breathless
The way you look at me
You manage to disarm me
My soul is shining through
I can't help but surrender
My everything to you
****************************
Paul took a step towards Brady as Evie placed her hand on his chest, “I know
exactly what it means…It means she’s going to get the same opportunity to be
with her soul mate that I got. And it also means Brady is getting the same
opportunity that you got to be with your soul mate. I think it seems kind of
fitting actually.” Paul scowled, “How do you figure?” Evie walked up as she
cupped Paul’s face, “Because it’s time that you stop this silly grudge that
you’ve had against Brady. It’s been two years. We are married and we have a
beautiful baby girl. Who just happens to be Brady’s imprint now. What do you
want to do keep her away from him and hurt the both of them because you can’t
stop holding a grudge? I’m not about to ever let anyone hurt her not even you.
And I refuse to be the cause of someone else’s pain.”
Evie looked over and could see the adoration on Brady’s face as he stared down
to the squirming pink bundle in his arms, “Look at him right now and tell me
you want to be responsible for the future pain you’re going to cause the both
of them if you can’t swallow your pride and get over it. I love you and I
always will, but you need to look at what is in front of you.” Paul looked from
Evie to Brady and his daughter and knew Evie was right. She was seldomly ever wrong. Paul leaned down and kissed her lips,
“Okay. I concede. You’re right. I’m wrong. No one will ever hurt our daughter.
I swear on our marriage.” Evie smiled as she kissed his lips this time.
Lying in bed later that night, Evie giggled, “Our life is going to be very
interesting in sixteen years; you know that right?” Paul chuckled, “Please our
life changed the minute Brady looked into Anna’s eyes today. I can’t believe he
imprinted on her.” Evie giggled, “I couldn’t believe you imprinted on me. But
I’ve loved every minutes of it and can’t wait to love every future minute of
it.” Paul nodded, “Ever since I met you, you’ve made me speechless. Now I know
why; because you perfect the art of imprint/wolf love.” Evie giggled, “I’ve
been speechless since you landed at my feet in the sand. Hell you leave me
speechless everyday with the way you love me.”
The would definitely spend the rest of their life speechless.
The End