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#paul lahote×oc
wolfpackss · 1 year
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Hiiii!
Can I request a paul x reader who’s pregnant and he gets realll handsy….
Thank youuuu!
Thank you so much for this request. I’ve been imagining Paul as a father and umf yes, get me pregnant daddy. Here you go, hope you enjoy it!
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“Baby, please! I need to finish the dishes” you push your boyfriend’s hands away from your stomach as you continue washing the plate you’ve been busy with for the past five minutes. Ever since you told Paul you were having his baby, he can’t seem to get enough of you. His hands will be everywhere, anywhere at anytime. And so are his lips as your neck and shoulders were marked with many hickeys and lovebites. “You can finish them later, just want to look at you” he mumbles into your hair, his hands wrapping around your waist to pull you closer to his chest. You giggle and turn around in his arms, stepping on your toes to peck his lips. “You’re always looking at me, Lahote.” “Don’t blame me, you just look so beautiful carrying my pup” he mumbles into your hair as he kisses your hair.
“Paul!” You giggle as he keeps on assaulting your neck with kisses, licks and bites. “Give up y/n, when i was pregnant with Asher, Sam was exactly the same.” You look over to see Emily standing in the opening of the door with an amused expression on her face. She walks over to the two of you and smiles at Paul. “I’ll take over from here” she takes the plates out of your hand and gives you a wiggle of her eyebrows. “Have fun kids” she waves you away and turns on the water to finish washing.
As you and your boyfriend head up to the guest room, Paul can’t help himself and smacks your ass. “Let’s go baby mama, gonna make you feel real good” he smirks as he opens the door for you. Before you have a chance to walk inside, Paul’s hands are all over your body. His one hand fists your hair, bringing your face closer to his and claiming your mouth in a passionate kiss while the other takes a hold of your ass and squeezes it as if his life depended on it.
“Paul, shit” you whimper as he sucks and bites your neck, you tilt your head slightly to give him a better angle and he takes it hungrily. “Fuck baby, you look so fucking beautiful, just can’t stop looking, fuck” he growls as you palm his cock and run your fingers over his entire length. “Just need to look at you baby,” he grabs your chin and forces you to look up at him. His eyes darkened by lust and desire make you feel something you’ve never felt before, you feel wanted, even when looking like this. You glance at yourself in the mirror that’s standing in the corner of the room.
“See how beautiful you look, carrying my pup, our pup” his hands drift of to your bump, caressing it with both hands. His fingers rubbing smooth circles on the sides of your stomach. You reach your arms up and wrap them around his neck. You lean up and let your lips brush his.
“We love you, Paul Lahote”
“And i love you both so fucking much”
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mybadlywrittenstories · 6 months
Text
Enchanted to meet you (Paul Lahote X OC)
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“Shhh.” Amelia shushed her little sister Evelyn as she tip-toed down the staircase leading to the foyer. Both girls stopped before the last step, hiding behind the wall which separated them from their expected guest—well their parents expected guests.
Amelia and Evelyn were the two daughters of head of the north American coven. Well, their mother was head of the coven, their father was Fae; a simple mythical creature known mainly for their connection with nature and healing magic. It was common for Fae and witches to mingle amongst one another, as witches channeled the powers of nature for their spells and potions; much like the Fae. Procreation between the two species was a special rarity, most Fae never made romantic or sexual connections as there was no real need. You see, Fae is not made through conventional means.
If you’ve ever been out in nature, in a secluded spot where it almost seems untouched by humanity, you feel the sudden sense of calmness rushing over you. The sun seems to illuminate the world around you in a blanket of warmth and bliss, and it feels as if in that moment everything is perfect; that means a Fae was probably just born near you. The Fae believes that mother nature carefully crafts each and every Fae, their bodies created from the earth itself, and then she releases them to live their lives and protect her earth. Other species have different theories on how the Fae came to be, but no one can say with complete certainty.
This seeming species wide asexuality is why it causes everyone a shock when a Fae bares a child physically, and to do so with not only a witch but one of the most powerful witches in existence? The leader of the North American Coven? Now that creates two very interesting girls.
Amelia Boleyn is an 18-year-old halfling, those halves being part witch and Fae. She stands on the shorter side, just under 5’3—however if anyone ever called her anything less than 5’3 she’d make sure to put them in their place. She cropped her hair just above her shoulders with some rusty kitchen scissors during a slightly tipsy night she shared with her sister. Her skin was naturally on the tanner side, resembling her father’s coloring of curly dark hair and tan skin, more so than her mother’s red hair, pale skin, and green eyes. She came into her powers when she was 13 years of age, although she showed much promise with her witchcraft already being a fourth level spell caster. She much preferred dabbling in the simple powers of her father, a stereotypical daddy’s girl. She would much rather go out into the woods, lay in a field, and connect with nature rather than sit at home and stare at old grimoires.
Her sister Evelyn, however, is the opposite. She is 16 and also a halfling, her skin only a shade or two darker than her mothers, she also had her mother’s straight auburn hair and sparkling green eyes. She was also one who could spend hours sitting in her room, reading her ancestors grimoires and attempting to learn to cast new and more advanced spells, already dabbling the same level as her older sisters, but severely struggling with any Fae related magic.
The two girls are very possibly going to become two of the strongest women alive, and here they were huddled together behind a flimsy wooden wall, straining to eavesdrop on their parents’ conversation. Amelia and Evelyn both shared worried looks as they heard multiple heavy footsteps walking into the house. Their father Aeon had told them of the recent killings of magic folk in the area, forbidding them from going out alone even for the most insignificant of tasks. Whoever was responsible for the killings was targeting young adults and teens, and although they have yet to kill a Fae child or witch child, the matter needed to be dealt with.
As far as anyone could tell, going off the bodies of the victims, the killer was a vampire. Incredibly fast, and efficient killers, but not known to go after other supernatural’s. Something was brewing, and Jenny and Aeon Boleyn had made the decision to call in the only supernatural’s who were properly equipped to deal with a vampire, wolf shifters.
Amelia and Evelyn were fascinated when their father explained who was coming, and why they had to keep their distance. The northwestern shifters were notorious for being big, burly brutes with wicked tempers. Tales of the smallest disagreement turning into massive fights involving clashing canines spread like wildfire when they seemingly reappeared a few years back after being presumed extinct. To the girls, however, this made them a group of very fascinating subjects to poke and prod at—youthful stupidity mixed with curiosity.
Amelia leaned closer to the edge of doorway as she heard a somehow quiet, yet booming voice start to speak. “Aeon it’s been too long.” A small pause filled with the sound of scuffing shoes and a door closing, “I only wish this meeting was under better circumstances.” The same voice spoke again, sounding sympathetic.
“It’s so nice to see you, Sam.” Their mother’s sweet voice greeted, “It’s so nice to see all of you. Though, I do see a few new faces. Please everyone come inside and sit down I’m sure your journey has been very tiring.” Multiple deep voices muttered hellos, and then heavy footsteps followed the woman into the small living room.
Most of the men opted to sit on the grown, allowing Sam their pack alpha to sit on the couch with Jen and Aeon. They all trusted Sam when he said the couple could be trusted, perhaps it was the wolf in them that made them skeptical of the unknown but regardless of the reason, no one but Sam wanted to be too close to the two.
The two girls waited on the stairs for a few minutes, trying to strain and hear what was being said, but all they could pick up on was the low mumbling of conversation. “You think we should try to get closer?” Evelyn whispered into her older sister’s ear, her heart thrumming quickly with excitement.
Amelia considered for a moment, weighing if the risk of getting caught was worth satiating her curiosity, in the end the latter won. “Yes, but don’t make any noise. I so do not want to hear the lecture from mom and dad if they catch us snooping.”
Unbeknownst to the pair, the shifters had exceptional hearing and all of them had picked up on the quiet encounter a few yards away. Sam simply ignored the two girls, seeing no real threat in them eavesdropping, Quill, Embry, Seth, Collin, Brady, and Paul all shared sly smirks to one another—not so subtly glancing at the small door way as gentle and slow footstep inched forward.
“You should take a peek—see what they look like! “Evelyn urged faintly, Nudging her sister with her arm. “Why me? So, I’m the one who gets caught?” Amelia shot a pointed glare towards her younger, yet taller sister. “Yes! Now look, Mom said werewolves were usually all ruggedly handsome! Maybe the same applies for shifters.” Evelyn had a wicked smirk on her mouth as she envisioned a group of big burly men fresh for the pickings waiting in her living room—those teenage hormones surging through her body at the prospect.
“That’s gross, Eve.” Amelia sighed, rolling her eyes, “But I’ll do it… not because you said they were hot though.” The two sisters shared a mischievous look together, before Amelia crouched down to knee level and carefully leaned past the doorway, bracing herself on the wall so as not to fall and peering into the living room.
A not so silent profanity left her lips as her eyes met six other pairs of eyes looking directly back at her. In her shock her grip slipped on the door frame, and she tumbled into full view of everyone—including her parents. Evelyn silently died of laughter still hidden behind the wall, before quickly making her escape back up the stairs, abandoning her sister to the wolves.
“Uh—Hi!” Amelia chirper, looking around at the men in her living room, very purposely not making eye contact with her parents. “I just… uhm” Evelyn quickly looked around the floor around her, a somewhat stupid plan popping her head, but hell it was her only idea. She reached forward and grabbed a lost pen from the floor and held it up swinging it in the air. “Was just lookin for this!” As her eyes travelled back up to the unknown men, the pen almost fell from her hands.
Amelia thought it was just due to the surprise of meeting eyes with—in her opinion—the most attractive man in the room. Paul, however, felt as if he was cemented in his place, sitting on an old Abrash rug in a run-down but quaint little cottage, looking into a pair of beautiful dark eyes. A gentle click in his brain, and he knew what this feeling was, this feeling as if he had just taken off a filter from his eyes and he was finally seeing clearly. Her confused face tempting him to come closer, and to never leave. His imprint.
Everyone but Amelia could feel the shift in the air, Jen Boleyn silently screaming in her head as it dawned on her. Her precious eldest daughter being imprinted upon by a shifter? A breed who was made to kill and slaughter their enemies without a moment of remorse, she opened her mouth to speak but no words would leave her lips.
Amelia looked around at all the shocked and speechless faces, assuming this was caused solely by her interruption, her face reddened, and she quickly stood up, ignoring the slight ache in her hips where she landed. “I’m just going to go, it was nice—uh—meeting all of you!” She smiled before quickly making her exit and running up the stairs.
Amelia threw herself into her room and hopped up onto her bed. She knew she was in for it but she silently prayed to mother nature that her parents wouldn’t be too pissed about the interruption—a pointless prayer and she knew it. Remaining under her covers she shimmied off her jeans and bra and turned over towards her window. Listening to the now significantly louder voices downstairs speak and watching the pale blue clouds pass by the full moon outside. She laid there for what felt like hours, but in reality, was only thirty minutes, waiting for her parents’ lecture to come—but it never did. Instead, she was slowly lulled into one of the deepest slumbers she had in a very long time, strangely plagued by the sight of those deep brown eyes of one of the very handsome but strange young man.
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Wildest dreams, part 18
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Summary: Waking up, Y/N expected to find herself in Paul’s arms. Instead, she found herself clinging to bed sheets and an empty bed.
Warnings: fluff, angst, sexual content, swearing
Wildest Dreams Masterlist
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Paul promised he’d be there when her eyes opened. She remembers his words clearly, that wasn’t a dream. They made love, he drove her to the brink of madness and back and then he promised to be there when she wakes, so where the hell is he now?
A lump forms at the back of Y/N’s throat as she sits up, clinging to the bed sheets carrying his scent. It’s unmistakable – his promise is broken. Paul isn’t by her side, he’s not even in the room.
Inhaling sharply, her chest shudders. Closing her eyes she licks her lower lip before catching it between her teeth. Part of her wishes she could stop time and stay in that moment he held her so close that nothing stood between them – not even air could penetrate the tight bond between their bodies as they surrendered every atom of their beings to each other.
But she can’t stop time and he’s gone.
Why?
Where?
Swallowing thickly, she throws the sheets aside and stands. It doesn’t make sense. If he wanted to run, he could have done so sooner. He wouldn’t do it to her now. She refuses to believe he’d do it on purpose. Something must have happened.
Putting on her clothes, she shivers. Cold always finds her, sinking its hooks in her skin, spreading underneath violently until her muscles tremble in an effort to generate some warmth to battle the ice in her veins. Paul keeps the cold away, but without him it’s like falling through the ice into the freezing water below.
Checking her phone, she finds no new messages. Not from Paul at least.
Jacob sent dozens of texts. Embry had sent a few as well, and even Emily tried calling. She remembers her phone vibrating last night but in that moment the world could have been coming to an end and she’d refuse to acknowledge it because being with Paul was enough for her. If it was the end, she was already with the only person she’d watch it all burn to nothingness.
Huffing, she dials Paul.
From nowhere came the sound of a cellphone ringing, a classical cover of “Stay with me” by Sam Smith echoing the room. It’s on the nightstand on Paul’s side of the bed, her photo flashing on the screen.
Her heart quickens, eyebrows furrowing. He didn’t just leave, he wouldn’t have left his phone or her. Not after last night.
Rushing downstairs, she pops into the kitchen first. “Paul?”
He’s not here.
“Paul?!” She calls out, her heart dropping as the silence continues. “Fuck”, her hands begin to shake as she opens Jacob’s messages first.
“Is everything k?”
“Call me if u wanna talk”
“If u don’t wanna talk, just text me back, pls. Just so I knw ure home.”
“I’m getting worried”
“I’ll call ur dad. If you dnt text me back, I will.”
“Y/N wtf, I called ur dad and he says ure not home. Call me ASAP!”
“Paul’s not answering either and I’m seriously starting to panic”
“I’ll stop by his house to check on him and then I’ll look 4 u”
“I heard enough to traumatize me for the rest of my life. Glad you’re ok.”
Rolling her eyes, she chews on her bottom lip. She hoped to get a “We had an emergency, sorry to steal your man so early in the morning” text, something that would pacify her, but she’s never been quite good at finding herself in situations that had no answers when her mind would jump to worse case scenarios.
“I’m not paying for therapy. Just wanted to check if you guys had patrol or some vampires to chase this morning?”
Dropping back on the couch, she stares up at the ceiling. Who would have known she’d find herself falling for the biggest playboy she’s ever met, that he’d turn out to be her cosmic love and that she’d go from wishing never to see him again to wishing never to lose him? It’s incredible how unpredictable life can be – one moment can change it irreversibly, one person can make it so you never look at anything you’ve known the same way.
“No. Sam’s out with the pups. Why?”
Shaking her head, she bounces her right foot on the floor. Something’s not right. He wouldn’t just leave her like this – no note, no text, hell, his phone’s still in the bedroom.
“I can’t find Paul”
“What do you mean you can’t find him?!”
She snorts at the way Jacob’s text become proper and grammatically correct whenever he’s angry, same as it used to be. He used to teach her slang and how to shorten words to make texting easier back when each text cost and they had character limits. She’s never quite liked it, finding ways to shape her thoughts in a different manner rather than using Jacob’s ridiculous one letter words.
“He said he’d be here and he’s not and his phone’s in the room”, she grimaces before walking to the window. Pulling the curtain aside, she sees his Jeep in the driveway. “His car is here too.”
It took less than a second after the Seen for Y/N’s phone to ring, Jacob’s name plastered over her screen.
“Tell me everything”, Jacob says, his breathing almost ragged.
“I doubt you want to heart everything”, Y/N reminds him.
“I didn’t mean the part where you two fucked, I mean after”, his voice is low, still raspy. He must have woken up because of her text.
“Before we fell asleep, he promised me he’d be here when I woke up. He wasn’t. I called his phone and it frickin’ rang in the fucking room. I looked around the house and he’s not here. His stupid fucking Jeep is in the driveway and I’m starting to freak out because there’s no way in hell he’d just leave the house without anything on him.”
“Look, don’t go anywhere. I’ll be there soon and we’ll figure it out together. Okay?”
“Jake”, she pauses.
“Don’t tell me not to come. I know we still have a long way to go before we get back to that friendship we had growing up, but I care about you and you’re upset and despite common sense, I care about Paul too. So, stay there. I’m on my way.”
Hanging up, Jacob immediately called Embry.
“What do you want”, Embry grumbles.
“Better wake up Mr. Sunshine, because we might have a situation on our hands.”
“What kind of a situation?”
“Paul’s gone.”
“Gone? Gone how?”
Rolling his eyes, Jacob grabs his helmet and heads to his old bike. “That’s what I’m not sure about. Y/N called and she can’t find him.”
“He’s probably off somewhere licking his wounds from last night. Remember when he found out Y/N moved away for college? He went into the woods for weeks and never spoke of her after he came home. And that’s BEFORE he imprinted on her.”
“I remember it just fine”, Jacob sighs.
“They fought and he’s imprinted on her, so I’m not worried. He’ll come back soon.”
“But they didn’t fight”, Jacob interrupts, “quite the opposite.”
“Huh?”
“I wanted to check on him last night and…those weren’t the sounds of a couple fighting.”
“What are you….oh….OH!”
“Exactly the sound she made last night. Several times.” Jacob grimaces. The last thing he needed was to hear his best friend moaning as she was getting frisky with Paul Lahote. If there’s something his younger self would never believe, it’s that Y/N would ever let Paul’s penis anywhere near her and yet it was quite literally attached to her last night and his stomach churns at the thought.
“Where the fuck is he then?!” Embry raises his voice and Jacob sighs.
“That’s why I’m calling you now. Shift and see if you can find him. I’ll go to his house and find Y/N before she spirals.”
“Be careful about it”, Embry warns.
“What are you trying to imply?”
“I know what goes through your head when Y/N is involved. I knew back then and I know now.”
“She’s in love with Paul. I’ve imprinted on another. I’m not going to do anything stupid.”
“I really wish I could believe you.”
“Get going, Em. Paul might be in some deep shit and I don’t want to look her in the eye and say we couldn’t help him because we spent too long talking about things that will never happen.”
“I’ll call if I find anything.”
Inhaling sharply, Jacob pockets his phone and puts his helmet on. He’s not delusional to think he would ever be a viable option to Y/N, nor would she ever be a choice he could embrace with his own imprint being out there in the world.
What Jacob does know is that Paul adores the ground Y/N walks on, has been since before any of them truly knew it. She’s in safe hands with Paul. For now, at least. While he’s gone, for whatever reason it may be, Jacob will step in and make sure the fate Paul saw while imprinting doesn’t befall her in his absence.
It didn’t take long for him to drive up to Paul’s house. Taking a good whiff, Jacob frowns. There are no unfamiliar scents lingering around. If a vampire came close, half the reservation would reek for hours. All of the wolves would be out, tracking down the source. But there are no vampires here. It smells distinctively of Paul and Y/N.
It’s painstakingly obvious they’re imprints based off their smell alone. Paul has a woody smell of pine clinging to him from his work in the lumberyard and all the time he spends in the woods as he patrols, while Y/N has a floral scent – a mixture of lilacs and lilies. Woody and floral – complementary in every possible way.
Shaking his head, his jaw clenches. She’s his best friend, she’s always been his favorite human being, the only one who could see who he is through all the bullshit walls he’s built over the years. Y/N has always understood him at his core, supported him when he needed her without even having to ask for it, pushed him to be better when all he wanted was to avoid the world and when he left her after shifting, it felt like he was taken apart with every passing day.
When they told him he’s never to talk to her again, Jacob accepted his fate but he would follow her home, terrified of something happening to her. He was always there, sun, rain or snow, Jacob was following her from the tree line, ready to step in. Y/N didn’t know, but he would have done anything to ensure she’d live a long life, even if it meant she’d hate him longer.
It’s depressing it took so many years for her to finally find out the truth. He’s been away, tied to his imprint instead of his best friend ever since Bella gave birth. In a way, he’s resented Renesmee for taking him away from his home…from Y/N. He never asked to imprint, if he could choose not to, he wouldn’t have an imprint.
For years, Jacob’s tried figuring out the purpose of him imprinting on a vampire hybrid baby that he felt no true romantic affection for. He’s felt duty, he’s felt protective after watching her grow up before his eyes. Despite what most imprints feel, Jacob only ever felt like a parental figure. He loves her, he does, but he’s not in love with her and he doesn’t see that changing. Ever.
Unlike Renesmee, Jacob’s loved Y/N his whole life and yes, there are dormant feelings always lingering somewhere inside. She was his first friend, the first person he danced with, his first kiss. She was the first person he could be vulnerable with, the first person he could act stupid around and the only person he could come to with his hands bloody and know he would face no judgment.
Making his way to the door, Jacob smiles when the door open wide before he even reaches them. Y/N’s standing in the doorway, her lips pressed in a thin line, her arms opening immediately and without a second thought, Jacob allows her to wrap those loving arms around his neck.
Holding her close, he breathes through his mouth in an attempt to ignore how strongly Paul’s scent clings to her, overpowering the freshness of her own scent Jacob was once addicted to.
“It’s gonna be okay”, Jacob whispers in her hair, closing his eyes as his grip on Y/N tightens. And that was a promise. One way or another, Paul will come back and Jacob will watch from the sidelines how in love his best friend is with the very man she once detested. He’ll watch and he’ll witness their ups and console her when they’re at their lows, but he’ll never let her see the pain it will bring him. She’ll never see the worry in his eye whenever he’s not around her for he never knows when it’ll happen.
It’s inevitable, Jacob of all people knows.
When he imprinted, Jacob saw his life with Renesmee. He saw himself by her side as she grew, taking her to school, taking photos of her and her prom date, waiting up for her when she snuck out to a party. It all came true. He saw himself walking her down the aisle with Edward, babysitting her son, growing older while she remains younger. That’s yet to happen, but it will. At some point in his life, he will give up shifting and he will age and one day, he’ll be free of this life for good.
If his visions were true, if every other wolf’s visions happened just as they did, so will Paul’s.
Jacob will do everything in his power to make sure it doesn’t, but in his heart he knows his time with Y/N is limited, therefore too precious to ever tell her his heart is like sand in which her footprints will never be erased by waves of the ocean of time.
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PART 19
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runwithwolvcs · 9 months
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Addicted To You
The Princess and The Wolf
wordcount: 1248
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"well, well, well, look who it is." Sulli teased as she tapped Paul on the shoulder. She shouldn’t be surprised, she had spotted Jared first, then knew he couldn’t have been too far. The really do travel like a pack. Though she was disappointed she never received a text he was back in town.
“Sulli, what are you doing here?" A genuine confusion crossed his features.
"having fun," Sulli said vibrantly, putting her hand on his chest as she asked,  "want to have fun with me?"
"you’re drunk," Paul mused, watching as she apologized to a girl who had bumped into her.
"barely," She brooded. She wished she was blacked out on the dance floor, but the moody wolf caught her eye. Standing on her toes she whispered in his ear,  "missed you,"
"thats how i know you are drunk," He chuckled, “let me get you a taxi,"
She frowned, not understanding why he was acting the way he was. She did miss him. All the time, it felt like she was missing something and when she was with him, that feeling disappeared. Sulli figured out in Seattle that it was him.
"whats wrong?" The older man asked, sliding his arm around her waist to pull her closer as other people moved past them.
“Why are you so mean all the time?" She asked, her lip jutting out like a little kid. 
Pauls eyebrows furrowed at her question, “I didn’t do anything,"
“Nows not the time, Paul," A man she vaguely remembered said from behind him
“Back off," Paul snapped at the familiar man before turning back to her. He cupped her cheek, regaining her focus solely on him, “Hm?"
He didn’t get it.  Of course he didn’t. Sulli couldn’t help but sneer as she spoke, “I cant believe i was willing to give you a second chance,"
“Hey," He frowned, stroking her cheek softly. She could feel herself wavering, torn between wanted to forgive him or punch him. All from one little touch and his soft brown eyes. She wouldn’t let this go that easily, no fucking way.
Sulli pushed him off, “You said you were going to protect me."
“Sulli,” His eyes widened as he began to try and calm her down as her tone got louder, only to be cut off.
Sulli could practically feel the rage in her veins like she had when she saw him for the first time in ten years, “You never showed up. They called you and you never fucking came!”
“What are you talking about?” He asked, holding her shoulders to keep her from swaying back and forth.
“At the hospital. I told them you would believe me.” Sulli murmured quietly as tears filled her eyes. Her drunk mind bringing her back to when she was a little girl, fighting the nurses as she begged them to call Paul, or Sue. She had just broken her arm after being pushed down a flight of stairs by her foster dad, Larry, and it was her word against her foster parents. She knew Paul would believe and get her out of there but he never showed.
"take her home," Sam ordered, coming up from behind Paul, "now,"
"Sam," Paul started, his eyes hardening again.
"Go, Paul." Sam demanded, not backing down, "you’re too distracted and she’s drunk, it’s not safe."
Paul sighed and tugged her wrist roughly, “come on,"
"no,” Sulli fought back, digging her heels into the ground.
"I’m not asking," He nearly barked at her, only for her to cross her arms in defence. He couldn’t intimidate her. He sighed and before she knew it, she was thrown over his shoulder.
With a small shriek of surprise, she demanded, ”put me down!”
“Paul!” She yelled again as the breeze of fresh air hit her, causing her to wonder how he made it to the door and outside so quickly. 
The older man ignored her pleas and profanity as he promptly walked through the parking lot with her over his shoulder, only setting her down once they had reached what she assumed was his car. A old, beaten down Jeep. She remembered it from when she was little. 
"I’m gonna be sick," She warned before bolting to the bushes lining the car park. Paul wasn’t far behind her as she felt her hair being gathered and lifted from her shoulders and back. A soothing hand rubbing up and down her spine.
As she finished puking, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and stood up straight way to fast for her brains liking. The world around her was spinning causing her to stumble backwards and right into Paul who caught her by her waist, keeping her upright and on her feet.
"fuck, Sulli," He looked down at her with concerned eyes as she peered up at him.
"sorry," She mumbled as she let him lead her to his car. He opened the door for her and got her seated before she began to kick off her heels, “ I can just walk home.”
"no, hey, it’s okay." He reassured her as he knelt in front of where she sat with her legs dangling out of the passenger seat of his car, "you feel better? hm?"
She nodded, "are you mad at me?"
"no," He said as he swiped her hair from her face for her, "just worried,"
"you worry about me?" The younger girl asked teasingly. A childish grin on her face as she twisted her body to get a better look at the inside of his car. She had never been inside of it before, holding true to not wanting to be stuck in a moving vehicle with him. 
Paul muttered, “everyday for the past ten years,"
"why?" She asked curiously. He sure didn’t act like he was worried about her.
"because..." Paul let out a sigh, as if he was reluctantly telling her something,  "you’re my imprint."
"imprint." Sulli repeated.
“Yeah,”
A look of confusion crossed her face as she racked her brain for a definition of the word imprint. She could only come up with one and she doubted thats what he meant so, begrudgingly, she admitted, “I don’t know what that is.”
“I know.” He chuckled before mentioning, “Thats what we need to talk about. Is Kaycee working tonight?”
“Yeah,” She hummed absentmindedly.
“You’re staying with me tonight.” He told her, and from his tone she knew better than to argue. Besides, she didn’t want to be alone anyways, that was the whole reason she went out after work.
A small whine left the girls lips, “Only if rub my back like you did when I was little.”
“I’ll do anything for you, princess.” He murmured, sliding his palm across the length of her bare thigh. The little dress she wore exposed the entire length of her leg and as his hand reached near the hem, she put hers over top of his, holding it in place. The heat radiating from it warmed her body. She smiled at the pet name, remembering how she had, had a nightmare and he told her about a fairytale. Paul had completely made it up, telling her she was princess, and he was the wolf that was going to protect her. She didn’t need a prince because she was strong on her own, but the wolf would always be there to help.  If only that were true.
Sulli looked at him with an unamused look before she muttered, “I am a fucking princess.”
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since0202 · 5 months
Text
Taking Time—Fifty Four
Home is a person
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Word Count: 12,959
Trigger Warning: Mentions of Abortion (I will bracket where it starts and ends in an obvious manner so you can avoid if needed <3).
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Every step home has felt right so far. Maybe it’s just because I’ve been away for so long, but it feels like something has changed or shifted. And as I get closer, that feeling only gets stronger. Now, as I sink into that undeniable warmth, it’s hard to think otherwise at all. Soft, warm breath spans gently across my hair and I reach for the warm body nestled next to me. It must be Paul. How he knew I was here, I’m not sure, but in the halfway point between sleep and wake, I’m not sure of much. The soft body grunts and rolls closer to me, making soft sounds that lull me deeper into sleep. I want it always to be like this: sleepy mornings, just peace, before the sun cracks me open like an egg and burns me from the inside out. 
Maya rolled toward the low rumbling groan coupled with that hardy warmth she’d come to know so well when she was home. Paul was so soft. She ran her hands up and down his sides to a pleasant smacking sound coming from his lips. She burrowed closer for warmth, still in that holy toss between dreaming and awake and felt his warm breath flow over her hair. It almost felt wet. Maya inhaled a deep breath savoring his smell only to be met with a warm mildewy scent of dried fur and the forest. He must have only just phased back from rounds and the smell of his wolf form simply clung to him. It didn’t matter. Maya leaned her head up and was met with the his soft, warm, wet lips. Really wet. He kissed and dampened her entire face with his mouth, his tongue. 
Maya leaned back and groaned her dissent, but the onslaught kept coming, possibly even more eagerly than before, until her entire face was coated in saliva. Paul really had it coming. Maya’s face twisted into a grimace as she opened her eyes, only to be met with the towering dark frame of Leah’s german shepherd. 
“Blegh!” Maya managed before the dog continued with vigor to her dismay. She braced her arms across his chest and tried to push, but the thumping of his tail wagging only seemed to make him stronger as he continue to cover Maya’s face in fervent licks with delight that she was awake. 
Maya heard a laugh from the door before Keye said,”Yodel, that’s enough. Come here!” Yodel immediately hopped off the bed and hurtled toward Keye, standing at attention at her feet with his tongue lolling to one side. Keye dropped her hand to stroke his head affectionately, “I thought we said no more kissing dogs after that trip to Seattle when Becks convinced that forty year old bouncer she was old enough to get in by her expertise?” 
Maya rubbed her dog-drenched face on the pillow before rolling over and beginning to rub her eyes, “I remember that being you, not Becks.” 
“Oh, yeah,” Keye replied lazily as if the thought hadn’t occurred to her until now.
“Come on, Leah’s making breakfast,” Keye stated from her place leaning up against the doorframe. As she plodded away softly, Maya heard Yodel following her dutifully down the small hallway to the kitchenette.
“Okay, but you still have a lot of explaining to do,” Maya called after her as she sat up and ran a hand through her disheveled hair. She didn’t even attempt a glance at her phone. The soft, gray morning light of Seattle pulled her eyes toward the window and Maya let out a soft sigh and let the day breathe her in.
Leah’s apartment was bright and airy. The kitchen and living room sat in a lofted space with high ceilings that allowed large industrial air ducts to span it. The bright beach wood of the rafters above seemed to capture light and sprinkle it down across the warm butcher block island where she was preparing another omelet, this time for herself, after making one for Keye and Maya. They tucked in around the island on carefully crafted wooden bar stools that Maya had a sneaking suspicion were the handiwork of her boyfriend. Maya peered over shoulder to look out the floor to ceiling narrow windows covered in a gauzy, white curtain. The living room was a collection of well loved, mismatched furniture pieces, all softened by time and use. 
Maya hadn’t fully recognized the neighborhood they were in when they drove in but she wondered how close they were to Paul’s workshop. Leah was laughing at Keye as she exclaimed how she’d never thought to add spinach to an omelet, or any vegetable to any dish for that matter, when Maya zoned back into the love fest unfolding before her. 
“You need to eat more vegetables, I keep telling you, or you’ll never be able to hold up a bike at a stop light. Even a little one,” Leah’s face was all sunshine. She tore off a piece off her omelet and handed it to a waiting Yodel at her feet. 
“She’s got a thing for bikes,” Keye hummed around a bite.
“I do not,” Leah tried to bemoan, but it only came out as soft embarrassment, her neck flushing with a hint of pink. That was hard to dispute considering Leah’s apartment was stationed above a bike shop. Her bike shop in fact. 
“Crotch rockets, some call them,” Keye quipped, shooting Maya a gleeful look.  
“Stop,” Leah replied breathlessly with a laugh, “They’re not called that.”
“She rode up on one to Seth’s wedding, what was I supposed to do? Not fall in love with her?” Keye goaded, shooting a bright smile in her direction. Maya lit up at this—she wanted to know everything about how Leah and Keye met, how the imprint happened. 
“So, it was at Seth’s wedding then?” Maya leaned onto the counter, trying to quell her excitement. Leah looked down at her omelet with a soft smile as if just recalling the memory overwhelmed her with joy. Keye blushed and shoved another bite of gooey omelet in her mouth. 
“Yeah, it was at Seth’s wedding,” Leah started softly, “Gah, I still can’t believe that little twerp is married. I swear I was helping him with his homework only last week,” she shook her head, still lost in her moment of nostalgia. 
“Uh, I’m pretty sure you were helping him with his homework last week, babe. You guys were debating the merit of classic authors still being considered the classic norm in a postmodern world in this very kitchen.” Maya giggled at that and Leah looked up at Keye with such soft eyes that Maya thought she’d explode on the spot. Keye held her gaze for as long as she could before blushing and looking back down at her omelet, playing coy while continuing to eat. 
Oh, so it was that kind of imprint. 
“Yes, we met at Seth’s wedding,” Keye continued for her after a few bites as Leah started cleaning up. Keye launched into the story like it was well known and been written down for years. 
She said it was instantaneous. Much like Maya and Paul had, Leah and Keye and locked eyes and that was it. But most of the guests had been distracted and the pack was thoroughly drunk on special Quileute brewed beer so no one was really paying them any attention. No one had even really realized, except for Keye and Leah. They had sat there and stared at each other, across the dance floor for a cool minute or two. It could have been eons for all Keye knew. 
Leah’s face, which had been schooled in a cool complacency for most of the night as she muscled through her baby brother’s wedding, had shifted to something bright and surprised. Breathless, she had strode across the dance floor in her pale cream suit, sparkling under the carefully hung lights as she weaved her way through couples. Her eyes never left Keye’s and Keye had stayed glued to the spot, her heart beating wildly. Nothing would stop Leah from getting to her, and as she startled to a stop in front of her, Keye let out a loud exhale as if breathing again for the first time. 
“It’s you,” Leah had said, so surprised yet relieved, “It’s you. Y-you…you are so…you’re my—,” 
“Keye,” she interjected, relieving the stuttering Leah. She held her hand out somewhat awkwardly, but it had felt like the only thing she could do. “I’m Keye,” she said again. 
Leah slipped her hand into Keye’s, not shaking it, but just holding it there for a moment before threading her fingers purposefully through hers and nodding. “Yes, you are.” Leah’s whole face brightened into one of incandescent happiness as light tears shone in her dark eyes. Keye was on the verge of losing it and letting this wave of joy rush over her and spill from her tear ducts. 
There she was.
Shortly after, Keye skipped town that night with Leah and sealed her fate. She just disappeared. No one even realized she was gone, and her parents just thought that she went back to campus early. Leah was prone to disappearing spells, so there was no connection made there either apparently. 
Maya’s head swum up out of the story and looked over at Leah who was leaning against the sink with her hands outstretched next to her, smiling softly at Keye. 
“And after I moved in, I took this semester off—” Keye continued after a moment.
“Wait what?!” Maya snapped out of it and jerked her head toward Keye, her eyes wide with shock.  
“My, come on,” Keye groaned, “What is it with you and school? It’s not that big a deal.” Keye said half heartedly. 
Just because Maya had a vice grip on school didn’t mean everyone else needed to maintain that level of intensity to make school an important part of their lives. Just look at what it did to her and Paul. She willed her body to relax as she shook her head, glancing quickly at Leah for any back up and finding none.
“No, no,” Maya tried backpedaling, controlling the features on her face to remain impassive, “I just mean, I didn’t realize! I should have realized.” 
Keye leveled her with an expectant stare, a small smile on her face. Maya was trying to keep her lips clamped shut so she didn’t ask the question she really wanted to ask. 
After about thirty seconds though, Maya burst: “But why though?!” 
So much for self control.
Keye couldn’t help but throw her head back and laugh. Leah looked on with a bit of concern on her face. 
“Sometimes, things just work out that way, My. But don’t worry, I’ll go back and finish up,” Keye proclaimed, “Just for you.” 
Maya smiled and shook her head. That soft concerned look was still pulling at Leah’s features as she continued to watch Keye carefully. 
Maya spent the day putzing around Seattle with Leah and Keye visiting some of their favorite local haunts. They even stopped in a few local bookshops and let Maya wander for as long as she liked. She discovered some old chemistry books that she fell in love with and was thoroughly brightened despite the low hanging clouds over Seattle as they walked down hidden side streets. 
The three grabbed lunch at a little sandwich shop not far from Leah’s bike shop. When Keye got up to use the bathroom, Maya casually stayed behind to Keye’s chagrin. Leah was trying to stuff the butt end of her meatball sub fully into her mouth, sauce dripping down her chin in an endearing way as she hunched her shoulders over the low table. 
Leah had been pretty tight lipped about her estrangement from the pack but now that Maya had her alone, she wondered if without Keye’s constant frown whenever the pack was brought up, she could ask her about it. 
“What?” Leah said around her mouthful. Maya hadn’t realized she had been staring, marveling even at this intensely, wonderful woman who had captured Keye’s heart and taken care of her best friend so completely. 
“Nothing, sorry, I—” Maya stumbled and ran a hand through her shaggy hair, frizzed by the gentle rain they had walked through to get here. Maya exhaled through her nose trying to gather her thoughts about how to ask but instead, Leah spoke: 
“You’re sure you want to go back?” Leah chewed valiantly and Maya couldn’t help but let her mouth hang open a bit in surprise. That wasn’t…. “No offense, but you seem torn. And I never try to make hard decisions when I’m on the fence.”
Maya closed her mouth abruptly and shook her head to try and clear any confusion that Leah could see in her eyes, “No, I…I need to go home. It’s time to go home. Not forever, but..just for now.” 
“Tortured him enough, then?” 
Maya’s eyes shot up to meet Leah’s in shock, but that feeling quickly faded when she saw that gleam of mischief in Leah’s eyes. She hadn’t meant it the way everyone else would have. 
“I guess,” Maya shrugged. “I do miss him, though.” That was an understatement.
“Of course you do,” Leah tucked back into the table scavenging chips from Keye’s plate. “Regardless of what you know, and regardless of what you feel, the imprint should always show you true north,” the sound of crunching chips perforated Maya’s concentration, “Or so they say.” 
“What do you think then? About the imprint, I mean, now that you have it?” Maya challenged. Leah took a moment, always thoughtful, never rash in her conversation. Just clear and true and decided. 
“I think the imprint is different for everyone. So if anyone tries to tell you what to do with it, you should take that with a grain of salt. Listen to what it says to you, trust that,” Leah shrugged. 
Maya paused at that and really tried to let that sink in. Everyone had tried to tell her what the imprint was meant to do, what it was based on legend. But it had been hard between her and Paul since the beginning. Some parts were easy, when they were just together and there was nothing else, but most other things were hard—harder than the other imprints at least. So much so, that Maya and Paul had wondered for a while if there was something wrong with them. 
“I will say though,” Leah’s voice suddenly turned serious. Maya met her eyes and was taken aback by the sheer intensity at which they bored into her, “While I don’t know how your imprint works, I do know Paul.” Maya gulped, “And I can say without a doubt in my mind that he loves you with every cell in his body.” 
Maya let out a sigh. She knew that of course and so she could only say as much, “I know.” Her voice came out hoarse. 
“But he’s also a bit of an idiot. Emotionally, I mean. The guy was abandoned by everyone when he was a kid and then was swallowed by anger for most of his adult life. He’s only found his way through in maybe the past five years. That’s still no excuse for how he’s been with you, but still. That man comes with baggage and I do not envy you that task of unpacking it all,” Leah brushed her hands together to get off the excess crumbs. 
There wasn’t enough that Maya knew about Paul’s past. He’d told her the basics, but she’d gotten more information about Paul’s dad from her own mother and that was a wobbly source. 
“Speaking of members of the pack,” Maya said quickly, “do you think you’ll ever come back to the rez?”
Leah let out a gentle laugh and shook her head, “Not unless they need me.” 
“Do they not need you now?” Maya quirked an eyebrow. Leah once again leveled her with that intense stare.
“Cute girls are always too brave for their own good,” Leah leaned back and stretched her arms behind Keye’s chair just as she slid back into it. 
“You guys can stop talking about me now,” Keye said dramatically as she shook her hair away from her face. She shot Maya a knowing look to which she rolled her eyes. 
Leah leaned forward just enough to kiss Keye’s shoulder and said softly, “Never, babe.” 
------------------------------------------
—-<<Trigger warning: mentions of abortion in this next section>>---
Maya and Keye cuddled up in the guest bed that Maya was sleeping in with a laptop between them that night watching an old 90’s vampire movie. Leah had disappeared downstairs into her shop to get some work done. 
As one of the main vampires looked out over a burning city, Keye readjusted her head on Maya’s shoulder as Yodel let out a soft sigh at the end of the bed. Somehow, it had felt like no time had passed at all. 
“Are you nervous about tomorrow?” Keye asked softly. Maya stared at the screen as she tried to reconcile her worry into something else. 
“I think so,” she breathed in and about before continuing, “It feels like the right time to go back. I don’t know how to explain it.” 
“True north,” Keye muttered softly. 
“Jesus, you guys really are in deep, huh?” Maya joked and Keye giggled. 
“I don’t know, probably. She was there for me when everyone was either busy or gone. I don’t think that was the imprint either, she just…knew I needed her and she stayed,” Keye was quiet. Maya’s heart rate picked up as she realized her mistake in shutting everyone out. Even if Keye had said that she had understood why Maya did it, she knew she had hurt people who didn’t deserve it for the sake of her own peace. Keye, and a lot of others deserved more than that. 
“Keye, I’m sorry I wasn’t here. I should have stayed in contact, I know that. It all just felt hard and this was easier. But I shouldn’t have done the easy thing….not when it comes to you or Becks,” Maya scrunched in closer to Keye. 
“It really is okay, My. I get it. I disappeared too, you know. Just…tell us next time.” 
“I promise,” Maya breathed. “But I don’t plan on disappearing again. I didn’t even mean to fully disappear before, it was just….easier that way. But it wasn’t fair to your or Becks, so I promise.”
The vampire on screen looked wide eyed at the little girl who was drinking from an older woman. She looked so small, so innocent. Her too-young youth, eternally frozen in time. 
“I have to tell you something,” Keye breathed, her voice hitching at the end as if she was unsure. 
“What?” Maya said softly, looking down at the side of her face. Keye sat up and Maya turned toward her, realizing that her face was pulled tight with pain. “What is it?” she reached for Keye’s hands that were clasped tightly in her lap but pulled back when she flinched slightly as if being touched might be too much at the moment. “Are you okay?” 
“I am..I am. I really am. I need you to know that I am okay going into this,” Keye’s voice wobbled slightly as she sat up straight, before leaning back against the headboard. 
“You’re kind of scaring me, Keye,” Maya said slowly as she pressed pause on the movie and sat up too, crossing her legs in front of her and turning her whole body to face Keye. The looks that flitted across her face were hard to read but as Keye bit her lip, Maya knew this was something more. 
“I…” Keye began slowly, her eyes on her hands that fidgeted in her lap. Maya leaned over and covered both of her hands with her own. Keye swallowed hard, tears forming at the corner of her eyes but never falling before looking up at Maya. 
There was silence, strong and solid between them, and Maya just let it hang there to give her the space to say what it was she needed to say. 
“I left the rez because something h-happened,” Keye’s voice was quieter now and Maya listened carefully as soft rain started to patter on the windows above the bed. It was another few moments before Keye continued, “Colin and I were still dating and we were…things were going okay.” 
A cold feeling slid into Maya’s stomach, but she held her breath to keep from thinking the worst. 
“He and I were…well it doesn’t really matter, but things were going well and it was like…four days before Seth and Sadie’s wedding and I wasn’t really feeling good. Just kind of off you know?” Keye took in a breath and Maya heard the sound shudder through her, “And I…I thought that maybe I was…Fuck,” Keye wiped the tear that had escaped from the corner of her eyes and coasted down her cheek. 
“You were what?” Maya asked softly, concern laid plainly on her face. Keye tilted her head and gave Maya a knowing look as she frowned. Maya waited. 
“That I was pregnant,” Keye hiccuped softly and Maya let loose the breath. 
“Oh.” The word came out small and barely there. Just above a whisper. Keye stared down at her hands again, playing with the tips of Maya’s fingers. “Were you?” Maya prompted gently, leaning her head down to capture Keye’s eyes. 
Keye shut them tightly and the tears fiercely rolled now as she nodded. 
“Okay, okay,” Maya looked over her shoulder toward the door wondering if Leah knew…if she knew Keye was… Her gaze flitted over Keye’s body to try and discern how far along she was, but she looked entirely the same. “How far along are—”
Maya was cut off by Keye shaking her head slowly, as hot tears continued to roll down her cheeks. Maya furrowed her brow, confused. Everything was coming at her so fast and she was just trying to piece every part of the puzzle together but felt like she was missing information. When realization dawned on her, her eyes widened with sadness, “You lost it…” she breathed. “Oh, Keye—” Maya reached out to stroke her shoulder, scooting closer but Keye stopped her. 
“Not exactly.” Keye said, wetly. She swallowed hard and forced herself to sit up straight. Her eyes were harder now, and through the tears Maya thought she saw Keye watching her carefully for any reaction that would make her shutter completely. Maya’s mouth hung open again in momentary confusion before she said even softer, her breath barely a whisper, “Oh.”
She blinked rapidly as it all sank in. Of course. Maya kept her face neutral, soft, and open as she watched Keye watching her. Keye’s eyes flicked all around her face, trying to scan for any disapproval, or upset, and that made Maya worry that she had encountered some judgment from her circle. 
Maya reached out and grasped Keye’s hand softly in hers and gave her a soft nod, “It’s okay, Keye. That’s totally your decision.”
But Keye was silent, watching her as if waiting for the other shoe to drop. Maya let the air hang between them a moment longer before she said, “Do you want to tell me about it?” Keye grimaced. “Or tell me why?” Keye crumbled slightly at that. “Let’s start with an easier question… And you don’t have to answer anything at all if you don’t want to. But, I want you to know that any answer you do give is enough reason and enough justification for the decision you made.” Maya dipped her head to meet Keye’s eyes. Only then did she see her gaze soften with trust again. “It’s enough,” she reinforced. Maya tried to emphasize that love with her eyes as well and held Keye’s gaze. 
When Keye finally nodded, sagging with relief, Maya scooted closer so that their knees were touching, “When did you find out?” She wiped gently at Keye’s tears. 
“Just after I met Leah…Like I said, I hadn’t been feeling great up until Seth and Sadie’s wedding, but after I met Leah, it was like I needed to know, you know?” Maya nodded and just let Keye go. 
“I drove out of town to get a pregnancy test. That whole fucking tribe has eyes everywhere you know and I didn’t want to risk it getting back to…well, I bought three and I was in a fucking gas station bathroom in Beaverton with a full bottle of gatorade just…waiting for what felt like forever,” Keye stopped then and gulped down air. 
Maya was pushing her hair out of her face and stroking her thumb over her hand. “And then it was like…everything stopped you know. It was real…three times it was real. And I….I panicked,” Keye was looking around the room now, the guilt just absolutely pulling her in different directions. “I didn’t want anyone to find out. At least until I could just think for a bit you know. You know how they are about babies, if they had gotten wind that I…and it was Colin’s? No way, game over.” 
A fresh sob broke through Keye’s chest. She opened her mouth a couple of times to speak and couldn’t so Maya let her breathe through it, allowing her the space to continue or stop. But she carried on as if she needed to say it out loud, “I knew I didn’t want it, My. And I just felt….bad. I felt bad because, I don’t know…fuck I don’t know why should I feel bad, you know?” Maya just nodded. She understood guilt like that. “I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I couldn’t go back to the rez. And so I…I called Leah and she came and got me, no questions asked.” 
Thank god, Maya thought. Thank god for Leah, because Maya could just see herself so clearly mirrored in this same situation. She was so grateful that her best friend had someone like Leah to come and protect her the way she needed to be protected. 
“It took me a week to tell her. And she was just…ugh,” Keye reached for a tissue next to the bed and blew her nose before saying, “She was just perfect, you know? She knew just what to say and what to do and…” Keye’s eyes sparkled for a moment as she looked at Maya. Maya couldn’t help but give her a sad, knowing smile back. 
“Yeah, yeah, imprints are great,” she joked, rolling her eyes before squeezing her hand. Keye smiled sadly, looking down at their joined hands. 
“She told me that whatever I wanted to do, it was the right decision. And that I didn’t need to tell anyone if I didn’t want to, because it was my body. She was just…there. All the time for me. I-I don’t know if I could have done all this without her but…she held my hand through it all and I…” Keye looked up at Maya, her eyes sure and firm now, “I don’t regret it.” 
Maya shook her head, “You shouldn’t. That was your decision, and I still love you just as you are.” Keye smiled, bigger this time and nodded. 
“Still fucks with me though,” she said, resigned. 
“Yeah well, they never said being a woman would be easy,” Maya pulled her into a tight hug. Keye held on so hard, she thought her ribs popped, “I love you.” Maya breathed into her hair. 
For a while they just sat there, hugging, listening to each other breathe. Maya hoped her decisions 
— << end trigger warning>> ---
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November, 1 year ago….
Go see the elders. 
Jacob’s voice echoed and roiled in Paul’s ears as he worked away at the lower deck in the back garden. The cool November air whipped round Paul as he worked at setting wood planks on his foundation. The chill did nothing to bring down his temperature though. Paul was running more than hot these days—he was constantly burning up, as if an unbreakable fever clung to him since Maya left. 
Left him. 
Paul stalled, his hands stilling on the wood as he closed his eyes tightly against his last memory of her, tear stricken and shaking her head at him. I won’t. She had said to him that she wouldn’t stay. Not for anyone, not even for him. And that tore him to pieces and set him on fire. And ever since, he’d been burning. 
Paul forced his eyes back open and worked to refocus them on that task at hand. Work on the house always gave him some temporary peace, but he could never truly escape that hollowness that deepened and ached, threatening to drive him mad before the first snow would melt. 
He couldn’t even bring himself to go on rounds at this point. But no one blamed him. No one even came looking for him. He chalked that up to Jacob, citing space, citing time, citing…whatever it was Paul was supposed to find during his time of abandonment. 
Because that’s what it was, anyway you shook it out, he was simply abandoned. Again. 
Go see the elders. 
Jacob’s voice persisted in his head, sounding firmer, angrier each time that Paul refused whether internally or externally. What would the elders do for him exactly? They got him into this mess in the first place. Setting unrealistic expectations, putting pressure on them, coaxing them along with arbitrary milestones. They wouldn’t let up with their pleading eyes and knowing conversations until Maya was pregnant. Jesus. Paul skated quickly away from that thought and continued working on the deck. 
Plus, what could the elders say to him now? Maya was gone, and all he could do was hope that she’d come back. A ripple of anger ran down Paul’s spine as he gritted his teeth. Suddenly he felt like he was six years old again, sitting on the stoop of his dad’s double wide as thunder promised rain overhead. Waiting for someone who might never return. He hated that feeling. And what he hated more was how that anger that he once thought was well and truly tempered began to roil viciously within him again. 
Go see the elders. 
Jacob’s tone turned into a rough growl in his head and Paul couldn’t stand it anymore. The hammer that had gone so still in his hand now shook and he reared back before hurling it with all his might without a care of where it landed. It connected with something far off, a tree perhaps, that shook its occupants free and had them flying off in a hurry. 
Paul let out a harsh breath as he tried to swallow the well of emotion building in him. If he was being honest, he hadn’t done so well since Maya had left. To be fair, that might actually be an understatement. As hot, unshed tears brimmed his dark eyes, he stood with his hands lightly rested on his hips. 
“Fine,” he said to no one in particular, “I’ll go see the elders.” Paul headed off in the direction of his lost hammer.
--------------------------------------------
The next morning, Maya and Keye stumbled into the kitchen together after having fallen asleep, exhausted from their conversation the night before. 
Today was the day Maya planned to return to La Push and she would be lying if she wasn’t a bit nervous. 
But, even more nerve wracking was Keye’s request to drive her into the rez. After last night, Keye had woken up feeling better, but she had told Maya sleepily that she needed to go home to fix some things too. 
It only made sense that she would come with her, but still, the thought of Keye having another conversation last night made Maya ache, especially if she wouldn’t be as accepted by the others—least of all the council. 
But Keye had assured her that Leah and her had talked about this and that she felt ready after unloading a little on Maya last night. She could do it and even more so, she felt like she needed to, to continue to heal and grow past it. 
Now, hunched over their individual bowls of cereal as Leah watched from her place leaned up against the counter, both women held an air of dread about them. 
Leah took a bite of cereal and said suddenly to Maya: “You know he’s going to know you’re there as soon as you cross the boundary, right?” 
At this, Maya couldn’t help a small shiver run through her. He’d know she was there, but what he would do about it was still up in the air. 
A few hours later, Keye pulled up the familiar, neatly paved driveway to the house. If it wasn’t for the familiar blue stone, Maya might not have even clocked that they were at her house. There’s been so much work done to it, almost as if someone frantically decided to build with unbridled purpose and determination.
“Holy shit,” Keye breathed as she looked through her windshield of Leah’s Subaru. They both sat in stunned silence for a moment, mouths slightly agape. Then Maya replied weakly, 
“Yeah.” 
The little blue house wasn’t so little anymore. 
“Did you know he was—uh,” Keye faltered to complete her sentence so Maya just answered:
“No. This is…” Maya was lost for words. 
“Yeah,” Keye breathed. Finally, she tore her eyes away from the house and looked over at Maya. “So, are you ready?” 
“Are you?” Maya said back just as hesitantly. Keye considered it for a moment and then just shrugged. 
“Yeah, why not?” She answered with a small smile. Maya exhaled a breath through her nose and nodded. Why not. 
She pushed open the door and stood slowly on the dark paved driveway that was dotted with solar lights that would guide her in at night. She grabbed her duffel bag and backpack from the backseat and shut both doors with purpose. 
Keye only pulled back up the driveway once Maya had opened the front door. But Maya stayed frozen on the threshold for a moment, marveling at what lay within. 
The quaint front entryway had been completely opened and transformed into a wide open expansive living room that wrapped around the staircase that was now exposed on either side. Off to the right of the living room where there had only been a stone wall before, Paul had put in a cozy office, the entryway was arched and held two driftwood french doors, the glass mingling perfectly with the hand carved wood. 
Maya peeked in, her eyes coasting over the back wall behind the raw edged desk that was packed books in the floor to ceiling bookshelves. An oversized, plush chair was nestled neatly next to the bookshelves and the bay window that looked out into the woods. A small iron fireplace had been installed in a free corner. It was…perfect for lack of a better word. 
Maya spun on her heel and carried on toward the back of the house. The kitchen had been further expanded, a large warm wood island stretched across the expansive green tile. New appliances had been installed, the cabinets fitted and hand carved with intricate designs to heighten the simplicity of the sleek and soft kitchen around it.
Someone had been busy. Maya wrapped her arms around herself and glanced across the space. It was all so beautiful and different. But it still somehow felt like her home. It held the exact warmth and memory as before, just opened more to welcome new memories. 
Outside the sun was beginning to sink lower in the sky into the late afternoon. She pushed aside the long sliding glass door and stepped out onto the deck. A hanging bed flocked in white gossamer curtains and shaded by a partially covered pergola hung seductively off to the side. The deck had been expanded to include three levels, each holding a different space to gather with cozy chairs, firepits, and hand carved weather-proofed wooden tables. 
The most impressive thing that she had seen thus far though was the renovated workshop. Paul had completely rebuilt it, expanded it, and settled it a little further back onto the neighboring property. It almost looked the size of his studio in Seattle now, but he had built the entire front with reclaimed antique windows so that she could easily see into the intricate workspace within.The beveled glass glittered in the winter sun and made the entire backyard sparkle. It even held a second story loft that looked out toward the ocean. 
The cold November breeze rolled over Maya and she took a deep breath. She knew the kind of frenzied state he must have been in when he started building all of this. As a distraction. To keep him from feeling that hollowing pain that she herself felt almost every day when she had left. It was heartbreaking what they’d done to each other. But there was no getting around it now. 
Still, the most surprising thing was, he wasn’t here. Maya looked over her shoulder back into the house. Maybe she could find the keys to her Jeep, now neatly tucked away in the newly built two-car garage in the adjacent lot that Paul must have purchased to make all of these renovations. 
With Paul nowhere in sight, she let out a long breath. She guessed she could go to Emily and Sam’s and look for him there. That’s what she needed to do—she needed to find him. 
------------------------------------------------
February, 9 months ago…
Paul stood on the aging and worn steps of the last elder front porch in the icy rain that was oscillating annoyingly into sleet. As he looked around the front porch, shirtless and drenched in cold rain that steamed off of him, he noticed the wood rot close to the house where the porch met and made a mental note to come back and repair it once the weather cleared. 
After a few more seconds, Elder Ti’Hal slowly pulled open the door, a wool woven shawl hanging heavy over her shoulders. Her bright white hair was braiding neatly into two plaits. 
Elder Ti’Hal was truly ancient. And Paul didn’t mean that in a negative way at all. She radiated the distilled essence and teachings of their tribe. She was an elder before Paul was even born and he’d never known her without her bright white hair framing her wrinkled, warm face. 
She still managed to move fairly quickly and with agility that wouldn’t normally be attributed to someone of her age, but that was the mystery of elder Ti’Hal. She also never attended council meetings or bonfires anymore, and instead preferred to stay in her quiet cottage in the forest that she had shared with her husband before his passing over two decades ago. 
“Paul Lahote,” she said softly. “To what do I owe this very wet appearance?” 
Paul scowled off to the side, his jaw clenching so hard he thought his teeth might crack. He hadn’t realized it, but he was breathing heavily, his shoulders rising and falling with the effort of it. When he didn’t answer she just nodded gravely. 
“Come in,” she walked back into her small, warm, wooden home and Paul only hesitated for a second in the cold rain before he ducked under the tiny threshold and entered. “Let me get you a towel,” she grumbled. 
“Don’t bother,” he said, his tone coming out harsher than he intended. 
“For my couch then,” she was already digging in the small linen closet and produced a worn, threadbare towel that she draped across her couch for gesturing to it. “Sit.” she commanded. 
Paul had forgotten how bossy the elders were. He trudged across the living room, careful not to trip on the woven Quileute rug before he slumped down onto the couch in a huff. A warm fire crackled off to his left and Elder Ti’Hal had disappeared around a corner into her tiny kitchen and was clanging around with a kettle. 
“Do you want to start or should I?” Elder Ti’Hal called from the kitchen. Paul was still breathing heavily, the ache in his stomach crescendoing to a harsh beat. He may have groaned painfully in response, but he was too distracted by the unrelenting pain the imprint was causing him. “Right,” Elder Ti’Hal came around the corner with two hand thrown mugs in her hand steaming with what Paul hoped was something stronger than tea. 
She handed him his mug and when he took a whiff, he nearly threw it begrudgingly into the fire. 
“What pains you today, Paul Lahote?” she began. Paul shook his head, trying to find the right place to start, but nothing came to him, so instead he said, 
“Why do you always do that?”
“Do what?” she sipped slowly from her mug. 
“Call me by my first and last name. It’s not like you haven’t known me before I was born. Both names seem overkill don’t you think?” 
He shifted uncomfortably on the warm, plush couch as she leveled him with her gaze and took her time answering. 
“It’s more to remind you than me,” she said cryptically. Paul scoffed: 
“Oh believe me, I know who I am.” 
“Do you?” she replied quickly. Paul glared at her full on now and leaned forward, his mug still cradled between both hands. 
“She didn’t come home for Christmas. She didn’t come home for Seth and Sadie’s wedding. Nothing. Not a fucking peep from her,” he could feel the tension in his body snap, the anger flowing through his veins freely now. He trembled slightly—this wasn’t his first time having to channel unchecked rage through himself and he doubted Ti’Hal would appreciate him exploding into a giant wolf and shredding her comfortable living room to pieces. 
Instead, Paul glued his eyes to the fire, trying to let the anger move through him and then out of him to be consumed and burned away by the fire. But every time he breathed in, it felt like ash flooding his mouth, the embers of that anger still hotter than anything else within him. 
“What does one do with so much anger?” she posed the question suddenly. Paul looked up at her wide-eyed as if shocked by the fact that she could see it on him. He was naive to think that much anger wouldn’t still be palpable to someone as attuned as her. Paul rolled his jaw and sat staring at her, waiting for the anger to ebb, but it wouldn’t. 
Fuck. 
Elder Ti’Hal settled back into her large armchair covered in different soft, worn blankets. When it was clear he wasn’t going to respond, she glanced out the window, watching the rain settle into a gentle drizzle. 
“What do you think the imprint is, Paul?” her voice was warm with a gentle thrum to it like dried maize kernels pouring into a stone bowl. Comforting, consistent. It was maddening to say the least, so Paul continued in his aggravated tone, feeling the heat rise on his skin. 
“An anchor for packmates. A promise for imprints. It’s a reason to stay.” 
“Hmm,” she breathed, her eyes still on the window watching the rain make trails to the muddied window ledge. Paul huffed, rubbing his hands against his knees with impatience. A fucking waste of time, he thought as he clenched his jaw. “But it wasn’t reason enough for her to stay?” 
When her eyes slowly drifted back toward him, Paul looked ready to burst into flames. 
“Clearly not. I can’t go get her because I’ve been ordered to stay away, but also….she doesn’t want me to come,” his voice was quiet. He waited for her to speak again but she just stared at him sadly. A deathly calm rolled over him and he thought that if Ti’Hal didn’t say something soon, he might just give up and collapse in on himself like a dying star.
“What is it then? The imprint?” Paul asked, trying to keep the desperation out of his voice. 
Ti’Hal smiled slowly, warmth creeping into her eyes as she tilted her head to the side and surveyed Paul thoroughly. She took her time before she finally said: 
“A choice.” 
Paul tried to quiet the tremors radiating through his body. If the imprint was a choice, then Maya had clearly not chosen him. Never. Not even from the start. The thought of it made his blood boil. His face twisted in rage before he spat out. 
“What the fuck does that mean? How is it a fucking choice when it’s supposedly pre-ordained from the ancestors? That makes no fucking sense, you know that right?” Paul was on his feet without remembering when exactly he stood up. His hands were curled into fists and his chest was rising and falling quickly. He needed to calm down. If he could just calm down he could…
Ti’Hal just watched him with that serene look on her face, as if nothing fazed her anymore and the anger of a full blown werewolf couldn’t even shake her. Paul tried breathing, closing his eyes, counting to ten, but nothing could quell this desperate anger that spiraled and felt like lead dropping into the bottom of his stomach. 
Why was it always like this? This anger? It was like a tide that he couldn’t escape. Like clockwork it would just rush over him and pull him under in seconds and there was nothing he felt like he could do about it. It was an exposed wire in his veins just ticking and twitching with so much heat and sharpness that he felt his skin would burn away and leave him exposed and vulnerable. 
 “Have you given her a choice?” Ti’Hal’s voice cut through the raging quiet like a whip, but her voice still remained calm. He tried to focus on that—that there was calm to be achieved and he could reach it. He could reach the shore if he just stayed calm. He was panting, losing his breath every moment he kept himself solid and here. 
“I thought I did…but I wasn’t given one either,” he thought back to the moment the imprint had happened. Seeing her there across the fire. It was like an instant salve to a long forgotten pain. And then in the next moment, he was all resistance and rage again. Nothing felt like a choice when it came to the imprint. “We…we didn’t have time to make that choice,” Paul tried to slow his breathing. Calm, in and out, just like the waves. Not sinking but drifting.
“Some see the imprint as a gift, but that’s also just a choice wrapped up in a nice bow, in my opinion. It is a choice, Paul Lahote. You’ve made plenty in your very short life so far, but it is one that you give to her and wait until she makes it. It’s a question, and not a command and it can take many forms. You’re part is making sure you ask her the right one,” she watched his body language shift ever so slightly. “Miss Sunriviere was told that you were her imprint, told that there was to be in a relationship, and then told what her life would most likely be, in so many words.” Paul opened his mouth to retort but she continued anyway, “You are her choice. So ask the question and be patient for once. And most importantly, be vulnerable to her answer,” Ti’Hal took a moment to sip her tea. Paul tried to let those words sink in. 
He was vulnerable with her. Her absence had nearly destroyed him, was that not vulnerable enough? 
“No, not that,” Ti’Hal responded as if she could hear his thoughts. Paul’s eyes widened. 
“What’s the question, then? The one I should ask?” Paul said desperately, his voice rasping as he realized he had been holding his body tensely throughout Ti’Hal’s speech. 
“Start with the answer you want and work your way back from there,” she gave a cryptic smile and stood, disappearing behind her kitchen door and singing softly to herself, unceremoniously excusing him. 
Paul stood there for a while longer, rapidly breathing, and listening to Ti’Hal singing the songs of his childhood in her kitchen, muffled and sweet.  ------------------------------------------
The door to her Jeep shut with a sharp click as Maya shrugged on her cropped puffy jacket. Much as she had suspected, the keys to Maya’s Jeep were in the sun visor, as if waiting for her. The whole drive to Sam and Emily’s felt…calm. As if she were driving toward something rather than into something. There was no sweeping dread, no overwhelming nervousness—she just felt ready. She chocked that up to just time. The time away had made her ready for home, refreshed her.
Sam and Emily’s looked the same as it always did—warm and inviting with a steady stream of smoke coming from the chimney. It was familiar and as she took in a deep breath, the cold November air spiced with pine and fallen leaves, with a hint of the salty Pacific sent a pleasant reassuring thrum through her body. 
Maya stood by her Jeep for a moment just taking it in, before the potential chaos—whether it would be angry or joyful—would be wrought on her. Just the quiet creak of the forest, a distant river rushing toward the sea, and muffled laughter booming from within the home. 
Maya took a deep breath and took a couple of steps forward, her feet crunching on the wet gravel. She hadn’t made it more than a few steps when the screen door opened and Paul walked out slowly onto the porch, hands in the pockets of his dark jeans. Maya halted, her breath caught in her throat as her eyes met his. 
She braced herself for whatever awaited her, but still that pulsing calm spread through her. It all felt…alright. And she hadn’t felt that way in so long. She watched in for just a moment as he stood on the top step of the porch, his face neutral before it broke into an earth shattering smile. 
Maya could have sobbed at the sight of it. He sauntered down the steps toward and it took all of her self control not to break into a full on sprint to quickly close the distance between them. Somehow she managed a quick walk and nearly crashed into his body, but he held her fast, one arm coming out to wrap around her waist as his other hand cupped her jaw. He peered down at her, that warm smile still spilling sunshine in every direction and she stared up at him, eyes glittering with unshed tears. 
He shook his head lightly and smiled, as his thumb reached up to gently brush across her lower lip, parting them softly. 
“You came home,” he said gently, the emotion clearly wavering in his deep voice. Maya nearly crumbled at his touch. She was home. 
“Yes,” she said simply, her voice barely above a whisper. “I thought it was…time,” she paused when he raised his eyebrows at her, a hint of humor and warmth in his eyes then quickly clarified: “For a visit.”
But this didn’t seem to faze him. He just nodded gently, humming in acceptance with that warm, pleased look on his face as he took her all in. There was a palpable vibration happening between them, what Maya could only assume was a physical manifestation of the imprint’s tension. 
The last time she had seen him on the rez  was over a year ago. And yet, time washed away and parted to let them stand there together again as if nothing had passed, as if this was any other day. Comfortable. 
Maya’s hands shook she gripped the sides of his abdomen. She’d come all this way to say….to say what exactly? Her mouth parted softly but nothing came out. She needed to say something, anything. The silence stretched between them and Maya just couldn’t let it hang there any longer. How could she? After he had left her in that hotel room, and how it had felt coming home again—she needed to tell him everything. 
He was tall, god so tall, he towered over her really, and yet she felt like his matching pair. 
“Welcome home,” he said gently, his nose nuzzling hers gently. 
Maya looked up at him curiously, her eyes slightly narrowed as she took him in. His dark beard was closely trimmed to his face, and his hair was a bit shorter than the last time she saw it. He looked good. Well, he always looked good, but this was different. 
His eyes seemed bright, not clouded with the anger or jealousy she had seen back in the spring. No, this Paul felt solid, for once. The light was shining on his face, his color back to its warm russet, flush with heat and health. Everything felt simpler. 
And with the confusion and despair that had once clung to that hollowness in her stomach from the imprint’s ache clearing completely, she felt like she could see clearly for the first time in awhile. She was worried momentarily that maybe it was just the trick of the imprint, beckoning her in—a salve to her burning anxiety. 
But staring up at Paul, there was an openness there that hadn’t been there before. Something that she wanted to discover and ask him about. For now though, as his hand slowly threaded into her hair and pulled her close, this was all that she needed. 
Finally, after watching her with such intensity, such heat, as if trying to rememorize every part of her face he lowered his head toward hers and crashed their lips together. It was like coming up for air after swimming beneath a current for too long. His kiss pressed new life into her and she arched her body fully into his, her curve slotting into the shape of his body just so as he held her against him. 
Paul moved his mouth over hers, slow and wanting, washing the ache of their absence away. There was no succumbing this time, just an equal measure of elation at being together again, and Maya felt that familiar sensation of something clicking into place and she saw it for what it was: being in the right place at the right time. 
She sighed into his mouth and heard him give a soft groan of pleasure before the air rang with the hoots and howls of his brothers. He pulled back gently, his eyes hooded and soft as he looked at her. Paul glanced over his shoulder at his pack crowded onto the porch and gave a gentle laugh before looking back, his eyes shining with something new as he said gruffly, “I guess they missed you too.” 
Maya swallowed thickly and laughed, not willing to let go of him first. But he took her cue and said, “Come inside, I’m sure they all have a million questions.” Paul kissed her forehead before turning and slotting her neatly into his side as they walked the short distance to the porch. 
“Hey, hey Ivy League!” Jared crooned. 
“Welcome back, My,” Seth said softly. 
“We needed a little more brains around here,” Colin laughed as Brady shoved him lightly. 
“Maya?!” a soft, female voice floated out from the front door as Maya and Paul climbed the porch steps. Becks pushed her way through the pack crowded on the porch and started sobbing instantly upon seeing her. She was heavily pregnant, and Jacob wasn’t far behind her as she nearly dropped into Maya’s arms in a hug, squeezing her so tightly she thought she cracked a rib. 
“Oh my god!” she cried into her shoulder. Maya chuckled and rubbed soft circles on her back as she looked over her shoulder at Jacob who shrugged and looked lovingly at his hormonally devastated wife. Becks pulled back to look at Maya, her face puffy and tear stricken, “You absolute JERK!” Maya barked a laugh at that and tried to wipe some tears away from Becks’ cheeks. “Don’t ever disappear on me like that again. I thought— I thought—,” 
“I know. I’m sorry,” Maya said, pulling her best friend back into a hug. “I should have texted.” Becks hiccuped a sound of disapproval, “Or called.” Maya corrected. When she pulled back, Becks nodded, seemingly trying to get herself calm as Jacob settled a hand on her lower back. Maya’s eyes widened as she took in just how pregnant she was. 
“Yeah, I know,” Becks said disappointed, “He’s like a week late.” She truly looked exhausted and the size of her belly stretched to almost painful extent. Jacob rubbed her back and leaned down to kiss her temple. 
“He’ll come soon, babe,” he promised. “Plus, Maya’s here. That’s literally all the good luck we need to induce your labor. Like last time.” 
Maya laughed again and shrugged, “Just no vampire delivery this time, right?” she quipped. Jacob rolled his eyes. 
“Jesus, I hope it doesn’t come to that. But, Carlisle is on standby if the water birth stalls or we need quick intervention,” Jacob said nonchalantly. 
“What the fuck is a water birth?” Brady whispered to no one in particular. 
“Come inside, come inside,” Becks waved a hand and with Paul’s hand on her waist gently, Maya let the warm, comforting Uley home swallow her up. 
They stayed at Sam and Emily’s until late in the evening, laughing and swapping stories. Paul stayed next to her, his presence relaxed and content, which was so unlike the tense and overwhelmingly protectiveness he had always exhibited before she left. 
She glanced over at him a couple times, and each time, he caught her eye and gave her a smile. One that promised nothing but exactly what he was in that moment. And it made her…happy. 
When she started to yawn, Paul took that as an opportunity to lean over and whisper softly against her ear, “Let’s go home.” 
Maya nodded immediately and they said their quick goodbyes to those remaining there, promising to come back tomorrow for lunch and babywatch. 
When they pulled up to the house in Maya’s Jeep, she couldn’t stifle her laughter quickly enough before Paul looked toward her amused and said:
“You don’t like it?” he asked, not even a little offended. If she didn’t know any better, there might be a slight teasing tone to his voice.
“No, no! It’s beautiful, I—,” she shut her eyes tightly to quell the rising emotion in her stomach from burning behind her eyes for too long. “It’s beautiful, Paul. You’ve clearly been busy, but I’m not sure why you did all this work.” Liar, the voice inside her quipped. 
The corner of Paul’s mouth pulled up in a smug grin beneath his closely trimmed beard, “Bullshit,” he replied, maybe to that voice in her head. Maya blushed and shook her head at the soft teasing tone. 
They hopped out of the car and came around the front into each other’s sides, arms weaving effortlessly over each other’s waists like magnets pulled them together, as they walked toward the house.
“Well, why else would you feel the need to renovate our entire house? It’s not like we needed to. The house was…fine, before,” she swallowed a gasp on the last two words as Paul confidently reached for her hip and tugged her closer, pulling her body flush with his. He stopped her, his other hand came up to rest on the side of her neck and threaded through her hair at the  nape of her neck.
He chuckled and Maya felt the warm rumbling vibration of it stumble through her body and land in her belly. “Shut up,” he said with a gentle smile. Maya couldn’t help her returning grin before she quickly wiped it from her face. 
“Seriously, if this is what happens every time I leave, I’m going to have to have someone confiscate your power tools,” his warm breath fanned across her face as he sighed, his eyes dancing around taking her all in in this light. How did he do that? Look at her like he was seeing the most incredible thing he’d ever laid eyes upon for the first time, and yet, the familiarity of his gaze said he’d known her forever, lifetimes before even. She let her hands rest on his chest now as she looked up at him. 
“I forgot how much of a little shit you are,” he teased.
“Me?! Really, you're a menace to homes everywhere—” Maya was cut off as she shrieked with delight as Paul growled, squeezing her hip and biting her neck, his rough stubble tickling beneath her chin as he backed her over the threshold of the house and kicked the door shut behind him. 
Once inside, he grabbed her under her thighs and carried her effortlessly up the stairs toward their bedroom, his mouth never leaving hers. Maya wrapped her arms around his neck, letting herself sink deeper into the kiss. Nothing was hurried—for once. 
When he lowered her gently onto the bed, his hands coasted across her thighs and unbuttoned her jeans. He peeled them off her slowly, kissing down her body and pausing to press an open mouthed kiss to delicate V between her thighs. Maya watched him, her eyes hooded with desire as he took his time kissing back up her bare legs once her jeans were discarded, pulling her shirt up now and peppering the expanse of her belly with warm pecks. 
Maya sighed, a small moan escaping as made his way up between her breasts, swiftly pulling her shirt up over her head and burying his face in her neck, the stubble scraping against the soft skin and making goosebumps rise across her breasts. 
Paul was slow and methodical in how he worshiped her, his hands touching every part of her, pausing to measure just how well she fit in his hands. Maya felt it too and an overwhelming sense of contentment rushed through her. The imprint bond that normally rang so clear through her during a time like this was completely silent. She didn’t pay it much mind though as Paul quickly unsnapped her bra and pulled back the delicate lace before encasing her nipple in his mouth. Maya’s back arched off the bed and Paul’s hand traced the shape of it. 
His thigh nestled neatly between her legs and Maya couldn’t help but seek friction desperately there, grinding down on him and rolling her hips as he tugged gently at her nipple with his teeth, biting softly across the swell of her chest to her other breast. 
Maya was panting with desire, rolling her hips as her eyes flutter shut to simply exist in this moment with him. She heard the soft swish of his t-shirt coming off and the familiar hum of his zipper. When she opened her eyes, he was standing and discarding his clothes, fully naked at the end of the bed and he simply looked—gorgeous. Maya’s breath caught in her throat as she leaned up to look at him. His throat bobbed in equal adoration as he leaned over her, his fingers ghosting across her hips and slowly slipping her panties down her thighs. He kissed her bent knee as he slipped the lacy garment over it and when she was fully naked beneath him, he let out a well deserved sigh. His eyes raked in every inch of her as if drinking her in. Maya was propped up on her elbows, her eyes softened as she slowly let her knees drop to either side, baring herself to him. 
She was already dripping—she knew that. Paul licked his lips and kneeled between her, not wasting anymore time as he bit gently on her thigh before leaning in to devour her. His tongue, flat and warm, seemed to touch every part between her thighs and Maya threw her head back, letting out a sharp moan. He let her settle on his tongue, tasting her, relishing her scent, as he held her there, his hands anchored firmly on her hips. His mouth sucked and pulled at her clit, his tongue darting into her opening, as a groan rumbled from his throat and through her body. 
Maya was cresting, light bursting behind her eyes as she whimpered through her release. She twitched against his tongue and only then did he lean up, his eyes glazed with lust and love so intertwined that she thought she’d melt into the mattress. 
Paul ran his hands over her body again, reverently, as if to prove something to himself and Maya shivered. The ache growing inside of her was present, persistent, but he leaned down slowly, taking her mouth over his and she sighed into it. Their breath mingled, mixing, and Maya felt like she was coming home all over again. 
He wrapped his arm down around her back and shifted her up the bed, but before she could settle onto the pillows, he whipped her over him and Maya straddled his abdomen. Her eyes sparkled, and she couldn’t help but smile. Paul almost always preferred to have her beneath him when he claimed her, but in this moment, his eyes shone with a desire to see her claim every part of him. 
Maya let her hands run down his chest, memorizing the hard expanse, the ripples and lines that made him strong and immovable. His chest rose and fell in quick breaths as if her fingertips were tracing some new pattern of love into his skin. Maya slowly traced over each dip and line of muscle, her eyes trained to each small freckle or scar, taking him all in. 
His hands gripped her hips tightly, kneading the soft flesh that creased between her hip and thigh and she smiled. “You are torturing me,” he rasped, his eyes dark and desperate. Maya glanced up at his face and just smiled softly. 
“I’m just remembering,” she replied barely above a whisper. Paul pressed his thumbs into that delicate crease where her hips met each of her thighs and pressed. A shot of lightning struck between her legs and a soft gasp fell from her lips. 
“Remembering what?” he asked, so soft, so gentle. A sweet juxtaposition to the hard bodied, giant man that lay wanting and ready beneath her. Maya’s fingers paused over where his heart lay thumping wildly in his chest. 
“What it feels like to come home,” she replied, as she lifted her hips and pressed him against her center. She slid down onto him slowly, feeling the warm stretch of him. A feral groan ripped from Paul as she sank onto his hilt, her hips neatly connected to his. She feel his hands flex as they gripped and loosened on her thighs. Maya braced herself on his stomach, taking in deep, stuttering breaths as she tried to get used to the sheer size of him again. As he twitched inside of her, she let out a soft “Ah!” as she clenched around him. She was so sensitive. Being fully in control had set her body alight and Paul waited for her to move, groaning each time she inadvertently squeezed him inside of her. 
When she lifted slightly, Paul braced her between his hands, helping to raise her hips. His eyes were glued to where they connected as the sheen of her slick coated every exposed inch of him. Maya raised herself halfway up his shaft before slowly settling back down onto him working herself into a slow and languid pace. 
Maya watched his eyes, sharp and dark as they took in every bit of movement. He was in absolute awe, completely taken by the shape of her and Maya felt completely in control. 
Her mouth hung open in unadulterated want as she quickened her pace on top of him. Rolling and sliding her hips against him. Paul’s hands tightened and loosened of their own accord as if he had to remind himself to let go a little so he wouldn’t bruise her. 
With each roll of her hips, that ache was replaced with warm relief and she felt a whole body shiver rush through her as Paul started chanting her name. She needed him closer, as she felt her tits swell and ache from her impending release. As if he heard her, Paul leaned up, connecting their bodies. His chest pressed flush against hers, but Maya didn’t stop bucking her hips against his. Paul wrapped his arms around her body, nipping along her collarbone, his moans echoing across the room as Maya threw her head back, panting and cursing. 
She felt him release first, and it took her over the edge. Paul’s eyes were closed tightly as he shuddered through his release and Maya curved in on herself as she let go, her body clenching to him tightly with wave after wave of pleasure as if she was trying to rinse herself through. 
Finally, she collapsed on top of him, breathing heavily into the crook of his neck. He placed a hand behind her head and stroked gently, kissing her temple as he tried to slow his breathing. 
Still, the imprint was silent. Maya wasn’t complaining, it was just…strange. 
“Welcome home,” he breathed. Maya chuckled and buried her head in his neck as she let sleep overtake her in one fell swoop
The next morning, Maya awoke slowly. She was keenly aware of Paul’s body behind hers, his arms wrapped lightly around her waist. Rain pattered gently on the windows and she had to admit that she hadn’t felt this content waking up in a long while. 
Paul stirred gently behind her, kissing her shoulder as Maya rubbed her hand over his forearm. They stretched into one another, Paul groaning sleepily as she turned in his arms. 
“Good morning,” he said gently, his eyes barely open. Maya bit her lower lip and smiled. 
“Morning.” 
“Do you have plans today?” he asked nonchalantly. Maya quirked an eyebrow and stifled a laugh. 
“No, I don’t think so. These are my plans, what about you?” she said in only a slightly teasing tone. 
“Yeah, I want to show you something,” he opened his eyes fully now, looking down at her and Maya looked at him carefully. Not a bit of hesitation in those eyes, she noticed. “Will you come?” 
“Sure,” Maya breathed. She didn’t know why but her stomach erupted with butterflies. He gave her a warm smile and closed his eyes again pulling her closer as he settled back into sleep. 
Later that afternoon, once the rain had stopped and Maya was bundled in her heavy winter coat and rain weathered hiking boots. Paul was dressed simply in jeans and a black t-shirt, his hair neatly coiffed to the side as if he had tried to tidy it up just a little bit. 
Paul drove them into the woods and parked in a clearing. He led her through the forest and they walked for nearly an hour along sloping pathways and fern covered earth. Paul carried her over fallen trees and helped her down rain slicked slopes until the pathways went decidedly up and up. 
“Where are we going?” Maya laughed as she breathed in the briney air, her cheeks flushed red with heat and exertion. Paul looked back at her over his shoulder and squeezed her hand. 
“Almost there,” he reassured her. 
Once they broke through the treeline, Maya knew where they were headed and her heart began to race. 
It was the cliff from her dream all those years ago. Where the wolf had beckoned her forward. 
“Paul what are we—” she began as they started up the slope of the cliff. 
“When you were gone, I went and saw the elders,” he began not looking at her. Maya stopped and her hand fell from his. 
“Oh?” she couldn’t say that that filled her with the reassurance she was hoping for. The elders had been incredibly intrusive throughout their relationship. “What for?” she probed. 
Paul took a few more steps forward toward the jutting edge of the cliff that pulled out over the water. “I was looking for advice and they didn’t really offer me much…until I saw Ti’Hal,” Maya’s eyes widened at that and she followed him a couple steps onto the cliff. 
“Ti’Hal?” She was shivering, not from the cold but from something else. Nerves? She couldn’t place it. No one ever went to Ti’Hal. She was the tribe’s oldest advisor, never came to council meetings anymore, and was a recluse for lack of a better term. Still, she was revered within her community and if you did seek her out, there needed to be a very good reason. She didn’t give away her time easily. 
Paul looked out over the cliffs, the wind whipping around him as he put a hand in his pocket. “I was trying to figure out what to do about us.” Maya’s stomach dropped at that. Paul still didn’t look at her and she felt like she was waiting for other shoe to drop, “I was miserable without you Maya, I think you know that.” 
“Paul—” Maya tried again. 
“No. Let me get this out,” he breathed harshly, turning to look at her finally, his eyes were burning. “Let me, please.” He nearly begged. Maya swallowed hard and nodded. He looked out again for a couple of heartbeats before he continued, turning to look back at her but staying close to the cliffs edge. 
“I was miserable without you. I had no idea what to do about the imprint, how to get you back. It was driving me insane. Actually insane. I didn’t phase back for a few months because I couldn’t handle being without you and lending myself to that animal side was simpler. But that started to make everything worse….I felt like..I was dying without you. And that terrified me.” 
Indeed his eyes were pained and dark and Maya thought the pain of it would reach out and shatter her. That the imprint would begin to tug her closer. But it didn’t. It was odd. 
“I just wanted it all to stop. If you wanted to stay away, be without me, I wanted you to have that and for me not to feel this way anymore. So, I tried to figure out the bond the imprint made. At one point I even asked…I even considered…trying to break it,” his voice was so defeated and Maya couldn’t help a soft sob from escaping her throat at the thought of it. “I was in so much pain, I just…” 
Maya took another small step forward and he continued, determined. “Still, the elders had no advice. The imprint would pull you back to me. There would be no other option but that. And then I saw Ti’Hal. I realized after talking with her that I got the imprint all wrong. I got us all wrong,” his eyes were hard now as they looked past her, through her. 
Was this some sort of sick joke? Fear shot through Maya as she thought the absolute worst. 
“Paul, wait,” Maya said, holding her hand out. 
“No, My,” he shook his head, “Let me finish.” 
“I don’t want you to,” she nearly had to yell over the wind, “Please, let’s just go home.” 
Paul shook his head, a smile now bursting over his face and Maya had to swallow her tears to keep from letting the panic sink in. 
“You have no idea how much I love you,” he said gently. Maya’s eyes widened and she took a step forward. Please don’t let it be bad. “I realized that because of the imprint and because of what everyone thought it meant, you were never given a choice in all this. I was never given a choice in all this.” Maya started to shake her head to stop him, to make him listen, he couldn’t leave her like this. It wasn’t fair. 
“Please,” she choked. 
“I decided I wanted to make a choice in all this. And you deserve one too,” his eyes on her were hard. And he took one step forward but then, he shrank from her eyeline getting onto both of his knees. He was actually kneeling before her, his hand now out of his pocket holding something. “I want you to choose me because it’s what you want. I want a life with you and I want us to create that together. Not because of the imprint or because of what is expected. But because you love me and I love you. I want…I want so bad to marry you, My. Will you marry me?” 
The shiny glimmer of tears caught in the corners of his eyes as he stared up at her. Maya took the last few steps toward him slowly, her mouth open in shock as tears flowed freely over her cheeks now. The ring glittered in his hands, a large oval shaped diamond set in a delicate gold band. Maya was crying completely now, the tears beginning to blur her vision and she couldn't quite catch her breath.
“Will you—” he tried again but Maya cut him off quickly. 
“Yes, yes I will! Yes, Paul. Yes,!” she sank to her knees before him and he tugged her forward, kissing her through her tears as the waves crashed and roiled below them. 
Next > >
44 notes · View notes
braveclementine · 3 months
Text
Gonna Give All My Secrets Aw-a-ay
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Warnings: 18+readersonly, smut, fingering, breast worship, pet names
Copyright: I do not own any Twilight characters or locations. I do own Davina Mikelson and Marcel. I also own the backstory for my OC. I do not condone any copying of this.
Davina P.O.V.
Birds are annoying. I mean, seriously. When you're trying to sleep and they're just going "Cheerp cheerp! CHEERP CHEERP!" Honestly, it sounds like they're screaming.
The pain had been immense, the way I imagined being a vampire and being set on fire must feel. You know, if you're set on fire alive. They weren't kidding when they said becoming a vampire was painful.
I much preferred the vampire diary way. Drink some vampire blood. Snap your neck. Ba bam- you're a vampire.
I wondered how long it was exactly that I was out. I knew it ranged anywhere between two to five days, depending on where the venom was injected and lots of other lovely factors. The stronger the heart, the shorter the time. And if the venom was injected into the heart or near it, then it was more on the two to three day side.
Of course, the ending brought tears that couldn't spill to my eyes. Watching memories. I could see everything that had ever happened in my life play backwards. From the pain, to the wedding, the Marcel's changing, to the newborn fight, to spying on Seattle, to being in Kentucky with some of my family, finding out I was a werewolf, Sam's sister, and then there was Laurent trying to kill me, Edward telling me about them leaving, being in the hospital because of James, coming to Forks, the last few years of working to get a plane ticket, the bombs going off, Azim and I kissing, Azim and I laughing, meeting Azim's parents, going to gymnastics meets and Tae Kwon Do competitions, learning military strategy, moving to the base, being back in Forks, running around with Paul and Sam, swimming in the ocean, Kol's birth, Josh arguing with Sam's mother, a four year old playdate with Tyler Crawley, and then being born in a hospital.
My eyes snapped open. The pain was gone. Good. It felt like I had been burning for years.
The first thing I heard were birds and I almost groaned in annoyance. But I could also hear squirrels crunching on nuts, rabbits sprinting through the forest, a mountain lion- or maybe a bear but it definitely had hunting feet- walking over stone and rock, the violent flapping of hummingbird wings.
Feeling wise, I could feel the soft fabric of the sheets beneath me. Soft, fluffy, and warm. I could also feel that I was wearing something made of silk, but I didn't move my head to look down quite yet.
As for the smells. . . I could smell so many different smells. There was cinnamon, hyacinth, pear, sourdough bread, pine, vanilla, leather, apple, moss, lavender, chocolate, lemon and lime, tomato sauce, almonds-ew-, roses, jasmine, lilies, plastic, and so many other different smells. The strongest smell was seawater.
I took in a shuddering breath, feeling the air move through my lungs, but not really. I looked around the room. The ceiling was white, dust motes flying in the air. I could read the titles of all the books on the shelf across the room.
I sat up slowly, moving my legs over to the side of the bed, getting to my feet. I caught sight of myself in the mirror and stared in horror at the red eyes. My dark hair and pale complexion gave me a Snow White complexion. I was just missing the blue eyes.
I had been lucky with my complexion though. I had been captured in a mid-tan state, my dark skin coming out only after being in the sun for long periods of hours. I now looked Half-Cullen like, Half- Quileute like and I loved it.
I pursed my lips at the choice of dress Alice had clearly dressed me in. It was a green colour that balanced out the skin and eyes nicely. Except for the fact that I was not wanting to be in it. I much rather wanted to wake up in jeans and a T-shirt.
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I could hear voice downstairs and I could distinguish Emmett, Jasper, Carlisle, Alice, and Bree's voices.
I darted down the stairs, stopping in front of Alice, my arms crossed angrily.
"Davina!" Carlisle said in surprise, "You're up early."
"Early?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"It's only been two days." Emmett said, looking me over, "Looking good Mama bear."
"Really Alice?" I questioned, gesturing to the dress. "Really?"
"What? It's a wonderful dress to go on your first hunting trip in." Alice said, putting an elbow on Jasper's arm.
I looked at her incredulously, "You want me to go hunting in. . . this?"
Jasper shifted uncomfortably, "That's what you care about?"
I looked up at my favorite son, "What do you mean?"
Jasper looked confused, "I don't understand this."
I stared at him blankly and then looked around for an explanation. Bree was the one who answered, "He means. . . you care more about the idea of your hunting attire than thirst."
"Oh." I said, thinking. I concentrated on my throat but I didn't feel anything. "Where should I feel. . . hungry?"
They all stared at me in surprise, "In your throat." Emmett explained.
I concentrated and then shook my head, "Maybe I'm just not thirsty yet."
"Maybe we should go hunting anyways." Carlisle suggested, reaching out to take my hand. I slid my hand into his, feeling the smoothness of his palm, the creases where the lines were, and finding that he was no longer cold nor hot, but that we were the same temperature now.
I looked up at him, staring into his honey coloured eyes and then reached up to kiss him on his lips. He tased wonderful, like things I couldn't even put into words. His lips were hesitant against mine and full. I pulled away, smiling, "Let me go change."
"No." Alice pretty much growled at me.
I sighed, "Yes, let me try tackling a grizzly bear in this dress. It'll get ripped and I actually kind've like it."
"You could go nude." Emmett said, grinning and winking at Carlisle who rolled his eyes.
I actually kind've liked the idea.
Jasper shook his head, drifting away from the room. I looked after him, my smile fading, "What's wrong?"
"He has never seen a newborn with this kind of self control." Alice said and then drifted after him.
"Oh. Great. I'm still weird even after my death." I muttered.
"I don't know." Emmett said in a serious voice, smirking. "You haven't quoted Harry Potter once since you've awoken. You might be going sane."
I stuck my tongue out at him and then tugged on Carlisle's hands. "Come on then."
Carlisle and I exited the house. It was a sunny day and I stared, my hand outstretched as the sun bounced off my skin, sending sparkles out, glittering across the pavement. I stared at Carlisle whose face was glittering.
"You look so handsome." I murmured, wanting to take him to bed at that moment.
Carlisle smiled and I felt my heart do flips. Well. . . not my heart, but ya know.
"And you look absolutely breathtaking." He breathed.
"Except the eyes." I said with a sigh, preening as he swept a strand of my long black hair back from my face.
He gazed at me, sliding his thumb across my cheek and I relished the feeling of his hand. "Even with the eyes you are stunning."
"Well," I said, taking his hand, squeezing it lightly. "Let's go hunt some animals and make them gold."
Carlisle nodded, "Ready?"
I nodded, preparing myself, and then started to run.
It was amazing. It was better than my motorcycle. I flew across the forest, laughing a little, and when we reached the creek, I leaped without thinking, feeling myself almost fly as I crossed the water.
I landed lightly on the balls of my feet, continuing to run, thinking of nothing but the wind caressing my skin and then- Carlisle stopped me.
"We don't want to go to far." He purred. His eyes were raging between black and yellow and I smirked.
"Well hello, Lord. I see you're trying to make an appearance."
"Well," the eyes became completely black, "You look completely ravishing like this."
"You've completely taken over Carlisle." I complained lightly, walking my finger sup his tight sweater.
"He's trying to figure out your self control so he's to distracted to try and take over." Lord smirked before smashing his lips to mine.
Oh yes. I liked where this was going.
My back hit a tree, making the plant shake underneath my body. I barely felt the bark scraping against my impenetrable skin, pushing back fiercely against Lord's lips. So rough and smooth and delicious.
His hands ripped the dress from behind and I tore his sweater off of him. I growled, seeing the light blue buttoned up shirt underneath. "You wear to many clothes Lord."
"Blame Carlisle." Lord growled, biting at the skin on my neck. He pulled back and murmured, "I can leave a bruise. Good."
I chuckled before using strength and speed, sending the both of us crashing into an opposite tree as I pressed against him tightly.
And then I paused, lips hovering above his, "The kids?"
Lord's black eyes melted, becoming tawny again and Carlisle actually shook his head like he was trying to clear his mind. HIs eyes lingered over where he'd ripped part of my dress, revealing the top of my cleavage. He cleared his throat and said, "I do apologize for that. And they're at our house. We can go see them after we hunt."
I nodded, my mind focused solely on the hunt. "Let's find a few rabbits then."
He raised an eyebrow, "Rabbits?"
"Or squirrels." I muttered, thinking back to Vampire Diaries. "That's what they eat in Vampire Diaries."
Carlisle chuckled, reaching out his hand. I took it without hesitation. "Let's find you a mountain lion, shall we?"
I laughed lightly, running again. This time, I led, following my heightened senses to a cave.
"Can I just walk in there and eat it?" I questioned.
Carlisle seemed a little anxious and muttered, "Maybe we should find deer instead."
I raised an eyebrow. "It's not like the mountain lion is going to hurt me."
The mountain lion suddenly paced out of the cave, growling at me.
I could smell it, and while it was appealing, it didn't send me wild like I thought it might've. I stalked forward, avoiding its claws, and bit down into the neck.
I tasted the blood, gushing into my mouth. It was. . . sweet? I don't know how else to describe it. It was satisfying, but it tasted different and I realized that was because I was dissecting the different tastes of the blood. I could taste the water, the salt, and even the plasma. I wrinkled my nose a little bit, trying to ignore the taste that way.
I pulled back once I was done. I had done pretty well, I thought. I'd barely spilled any blood on my dress. I turned to look at Carlisle who had a strange expression on his face.
"What?" I asked, racking my brain. "Did you want some?"
"It's not that." He said softly, coming over and pulling me into his arms. "It's just. . . well first it's very hard watching you drain something that would normally kill you. And for another, you're thirst didn't take you over. You were very calm in your feeding. And. . . you also didn't seem to enjoy it."
"Well." I said, frowning slightly. "I've always liked big cats. Maybe I should go after a bear instead. Those scare me. I might not feel as bad about killing a bear than a cat. And well, for another, it was the taste."
"What do you mean?"
"I could taste the individual components of the blood." I explained, wiping my bottom lip. "The water, the salt, the plasma, it wasn't the best taste in the world."
"Oh." Carlisle whispered, frowning deeper.
"Now can we go see our kids?" I asked.
Carlisle was still staring at me and I recognized this face from my months of interning under him. He was analyzing me like a data project. "Carlisle?"
He snapped out of it. "Our kids? Yes, we can go see them now."
"It's only been two days. . ." I murmured, "What are they like?"
"They're wonderful." Carlisle said with a small smile, "Come on, I want you to meet them."
"Are they. . . have you noticed any signs of danger from them at all?" I asked in worry as we ran back, not to the main Cullen house, but our small cottage.
"Nothing." Carlisle said and then frowned slightly. "They bite a lot. Esme- she's the one whose been helping me take care of them but she hasn't told anyone else about them- she said that when our little girl bites, she doesn't feel anything. But the boys are venomous."
"Two boys and a girl?" I breathed out.
Carlisle nodded, "The boys are identical. The girl looks more like me."
I smiled. "What did you name them?"
We stopped running once were in front of the front door to the house. Carlisle stopped me, picking me up into his arms, carrying me across the threshold before kissing me on the lips.
I giggled as he set me back down on my feet.
"I'm letting you name them." Carlisle murmured.
I shivered, nervous. I already had boy names in my head, but nothing for the little girl.
"Carlisle?" Esme's voice floated out the door. She appeared, holding a very small baby with long golden locks in her arms. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of my daughter.
"Oh." I gasped.
Esme's hold tightened around the baby. "They're still part human Davina."
Carlisle wrapped his arms around me tightly. "Breathe deeply."
I was nervous, not wanting the scent of my daughter to attract me. I let out a stuttering breath and then breathed in.
I could smell honey, cinnamon, and parchment, like the way Carlisle smelled. And I could smell her blood which smelled sweeter than the mountain lion, but it was nothing. I felt nothing. I was still relaxed in Carlisle's arms and then asked, "Can I hold her now?"
Esme was shocked, looking from me to Carlisle.
"Maybe you have a self control gift." Carlisle said, but he didn't relax his arms. I sighed, staring a the blond girl.
"She doesn't look like she's two days old. . ." I whispered.
"She's around three and a half months." Carlisle whispered behind me.
Fear spiked through me, "So. . . she's aging much faster than normal?"
"Yes." Esme said. "All three of them are."
"But- but then- then they might not live very long." I panicked. Venom stung at my eyes and I quickly blinked.
"No, they might not." Carlisle said, kissing my cheek.
"Oh." I whimpered.
"Esme, I think she's alright." Carlisle said, letting go of me.
I stepped forward cautiously, extending my arms for the little girl. Esme handed her over and I shivered. Her skin was warm, her heartbeat faster than I thought it should be. Her eyes were ice blue and I looked at Carlisle, trying to imagine him with blue eyes.
He smiled a little, "I could put contacts in if that helps your imagination."
I giggled a little, the sound lighter and less horse-goat-sheep sounding than it used to be. More like an angel now I guess. "Sorry. Personally, I was thinking your eyes might've been green."
"Sorry to disappoint."
I was suddenly by his side, pressing my lips to his, our daughter between us, "You don't disappoint me. Ever."
Then I pulled away and was in the babies room in a heartbeat. The two boys truly were identical, around the same size as their sister.
"Do you have names?" Esme asked me quietly.
I nodded, "For the boys anyways."
The only difference between the boys was that one of them had short black hair while the other one had curls and they were a tad degree lighter.
I handed the baby girl back to Esme with reluctance, picking up the one with straight black hair. I held him out to Carlisle and said, "This is Samuel Carlisle Cullen."
Carlisle smiled, kissing the top of my head, before taking his son into his arms. I turned back, picking up the last baby, looking into his eyes and said softly. "This is Niklaus Kol Cullen."
Niklaus after the hybrid. Kol was after my brother.
I turned to the girl, having no idea what to name her. Nothing seemed to fit her right. Kijana? Jasiri? Temperance? Kisa? Naomi? Camille? Luna? Kiara?
"Caroline. . . Elizabeth Cullen." I finally decided.
"Those are all wonderful names." Esme decided.
I hesitated and then asked, "I feel so normal. Why?"
Carlisle shook his head, "This could be your gift. Self-control."
"Do the children show any signs of gifts?" I asked.
"Not yet." Esme said. "But of course, they might not be able to have gifts. Or maybe they'll develop later."
I nodded and then looked at Carlisle, "I need to make a call."
------------------------
I paced by the treaty line. I was terrified, unsure. Carlisle stood nearby. He had promised to be there so that I wouldn't hurt them.
"They're coming." Carlisle said and then laughed quietly. "I didn't have to tell you that."
I smiled a little. "It'll take some getting used to, I'm sure."
Sam appeared first and I was surprised he wasn't in wolf form.
I felt a smile break out over my face at the sight of him. "Hey Sammy."
"Hey shorty." He said, grinning. "You look. . . yourself. 'Cept the eyes."
I shuddered, "I hate the eyes. But. . . Carlisle thinks I have the gift of self-control. Yay I guess. I was kind've hoping to be able to shoot lightning from the sky but I'll take what I can get."
Sam raised an eyebrow, looking between Carlisle and I. "She really hasn't changed at all."
Carlisle chuckled, "No. No she hasn't."
"How is everyone?" I asked. "Have you heard from Jacob at all?"
Sam paused and then said, "How about you come down on the Rez."
I blinked. "What?"
Sam sighed, "Billy, Sue, Old Quil, and I. . . well we might've come up with a late wedding gift for you. We decided, as you're basically the wolves mother, you could come down on the Rez. You're the only one, mind you, although Carlisle, you're not that bad."
"Thanks." Carlisle muttered, but he looked worried, "Are you sure you're okay with this?"
I paused, glancing over at Sam and then sniffed tentatively. I cocked my head to the side, "You don't smell."
Sam looked surprised and then said, "You don't smell either. Well, not bad anyways."
Carlisle looked stunned. "I don't understand this at all."
I tilted my head, "Could it be because I'm- or was- half werewolf? So maybe I don't have an aversion to them?"
Carlisle hesitated, "I need to research this."
He was in front of me in a flash, taking my face in his hands, kissing me hard. I kissed back fiercely, wrapping my fingers into his hair. We kissed until Sam cleared his throat. "I'm as romantic as either of you, but I don't like watching my little sister kiss anyone."
I giggled, pulling back from Carlisle. "I'll see you back at our house, okay?"
Carlisle kissed the side of my head, pulling away slowly, and then he was gone.
I hesitated on the brink of the treaty line before carefully stepping over it. I looked around nervously and then said, "No booby traps?"
He chuckled. "None."
I reached my arms out hesitantly and then he pulled me into a hug. I inhaled his warm, comforting smell. Like jasmine and spices, sweat and leather rolled into one. I sighed. "I'm glad you smell the same."
"What do I smell like?" Sam questioned.
"Jasmine, spices, sweat, and leather." I mumbled, feeling embarrassed. "It's a good combination."
"Hmm." Sam said, pulling away, wrapping an arm around my shoulder, pulling me through the forest. "And you smell like honey, almonds, peaches, and lime."
I growled. "I know I smell like fruit. I've been told several times."
Sam chuckled.
Very soon, we were at Emily's house.
"Umm, Sam." I said in a small voice as Emily came out to greet us. I grabbed his shirt, hiding halfway behind him.
"Davina!" Emily cried happily, stopping short of me. I hesitated, almost trembling behind Sam. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt Emily. I noticed Jared and Paul emerge, looks of excitement on their faces too.
"Hey Vampire mom!" Jared called, jogging over.
I shivered.
"It's alright Davina." Sam said. "You're not going to hurt them."
I inhaled deeply, smelling for Emily's scent directly. And though I smelled her, though her blood smelled divine, there was no unnecessary craving for it.
I let go of Sam's shirt a little, taking a few steps till I was closer to Emily, but still hesitating. "Hi." I said softly.
Emily threw her arms around me, taking me by shock, making me freeze. Sam was there in a second, worry in his eyes until I very slowly put my arms around her.
"That wasn't so bad." I mumbled as she pulled away.
Sam seemed rather relieved. "So. . ."
"I mean. . .you smell good." I said half-heartedly, still really nervous. Though I couldn't smell the werewolves as awful, my nerves were tingling like I knew I was being surrounded by enemies, "But I'm not craving after your blood. Or any blood for that matter." I frowned a little. "I hunted a mountain lion today. It didn't taste as good as I thought it might."
"You hunted a mountain lion?" Jared asked with a grin. "What was it like?"
"Boring." I said slowly. "It kind've just stood there while I killed it. Maybe it was in shock?"
"But you said it didn't taste good?" Sam asked, frowning slightly.
I shifted uncomfortably. They were okay with this conversation? "Well. . . I could taste everything individually. The water, the salt, the plasma. It wasn't very good. The water was most potent in taste, but it didn't taste. . . it didn't taste like blood really."
"Interesting." Jared said.
"Mom!" Seth's voice called from behind me and a brilliant smile lit up my face. I turned, dashing towards him and wrapping my arms around him. I was very careful not to squeeze him to tightly though.
"Hi Seth." I said with a grin.
I could hear Jared and Paul complaining behind me about how I hadn't hugged them.
I darted till I was in front of Jared and Paul and hugged both of them too.
"Paul imprinted." Seth offered.
My eyes lit up, "Really!"
Paul rolled his eyes but he was trying not to smile either. "Yeah. Jacob's sister. Rachel."
"Quil imprinted too." Jared said.
"Really?" I asked, astonished. "Did everyone imprint while I was dead?"
"No." Seth said glumly. "I haven't. Neither has Leah or Embry or Jacob or Collin or Brady."
I ruffled Seth's hair. "Well good. You're to young for love."
Embry and Quil showed up sometime later. I found out that Quil had imprinted on a two year old named Claire, who happened to be related to Leah and Emily.
Privately, I was thinking that it made sense they were imprinting on each other's family members. Jacob was a powerful member of the wolf family. Which meant his sisters' technically had the gene too. So it made sense for Paul to imprint on one of the sisters. And anyone related to Leah, Seth, and Emily would have strong genes too from Harry's side of things. Same with Quil's blood line.
I didn't stay long, not wanting to overstay my welcome for one thing, but also wanting to get back home to Carlisle.
Unfortunately, Paul still wasn't good at keeping his nose out of other people's business. "So what are you going to do tonight?"
I raised an eyebrow. "I have no idea."
"So you and doctor aren't going to. . . get it on?" Paul smirked.
I wish I could've blushed. I scowled at him instead, putting my hands over Seth's ears. "Not in front of the kids dumbass."
Paul snickered.
I got to my feet, swooping down and kissing Sam on the cheek. "I'll come back soon, I promise."
"Stay safe." Sam said and I smirked, rolling my eyes.
And then I was gone, running back for the treaty line, back into the forest, and back to my house.
Our house.
Carlisle and mine house.
I stepped inside.
"Carlisle?"
Carlisle was in front of me in an instant. "Shh, they're asleep."
"They sleep!" I said, delighted.
He nodded, smiling slightly. "Did you have a good time at the reservation?"
I nodded, "I was very happy."
"Good." Carlisle whispered, moving his lips to the skin underneath my ear. "Mm, do I get you all to myself tonight?"
I giggled, "Yes you do."
"Good." Carlisle growled.
Before I knew it, we were in our bedroom, on the bed. I was under him, his dark gold eyes practically glowing.
I yanked him down to me, my hands wrapped in his reddish-yellow locks, pulling his lips to crash down on mine. He growled against my lips, his tongue fighting for dominance against my open lips. Except this time, I could hold my own fight.
Our tongues mixed together, creating new sensations while his hands traveled down to my shirt. He didn't even bother unbuttoning it, ripping it in half instead and I was grateful that it was a new top I hadn't gotten attached to yet.
I rolled over, pressing him down to the bed, gripping his hips with my legs, squeezing tightly as I tore his shirt apart, blue buttons flying and scattering across the floor.
I pressed my lips right above his pants line, licking a stripe all the way up his chest, his neck, all the way to his earlobe before nipping at it. He growled again, his fingers pulling at the stretchy leggings I was wearing, pulling them downwards and they were discarded as well.
My fingers worked fast, undoing his belt, yanking it out of the belt loops, tossing it away. It fell to the ground with a dull clink. I unzipped the black dress pants, pulling them down quickly. His arms were behind my head in an instant, his body pressed against mine and I could feel his member pressing against my mound.
Our mouths moved furiously in sync with each other, our hands tangled in each others' hair. I moaned against his lips as one of his hands traveled down to my heat, rubbing my clit with lightning fast speed between his fingers.
The sensations were even more erotic as a vampire. They hadn't been lying when they said your emotions were heightened. This was at least ten times better than when I had been human.
"C-C-Carlisle." I moaned out. "Please."
He plunged three fingers into me, thrusting them in and out at a furious pace, rubbing my clit even faster.
My eyes rolled back in my head as I clutched his shoulders before I bit down on his bottom lip, his fingers bringing me over the edge, and I released all over them.
I could smell the arousal now, bitter and exotic and sharp. Carlisle slowly pulled his fingers from my warmth, sticking them in his mouth, licking them clean.
I wanted to ask if that actually tasted good, but didn't want to ruin the moment either.
Carlisle smashed his lips to mine again, flipping me back over on my back into the pillows. I could taste myself on him, something that seemed highly erotic and actually somewhat pleasant. My tastes and his tastes all mixed together.
"Carlisle." I growled, missing the fullness between my legs. I rolled over so that he was pressed into the sheets, angling myself to go down on him.
His hands shot to my hips, thrusting me back into the pillows, before pounding into me. He bottomed out and I gasped in pleasure, eyes rolling backwards before I recovered, bucking my hips to get him to move.
He moved in and our, faster than I thought possible, even with the speeds we could run.
I was a whimpering mess under him, surrendering to him completely. "Carlisle , please!"
"What baby? What do you need?" Carlisle purred lowly in my ear, his dick a blur as he thrusted in and out of me.
I whimpered, wanting more, "More, Carlisle, more."
"More what baby?"
My eyes rolled back into my head, my hands gripping his shoulders.
I had no idea what I wanted more of, I just knew I wanted more. "Faster."
The fuck? Could he go faster? Something was wrong with my br-
He thrusted even faster and I was practically screaming underneath him. His mouth, lowered to my breasts, flicking out at my nipple. The overstimulation was overwhelming. I barely got his name out as I clenched around his cock and milked it for all it was worth. He didn't stop, pounding me through my orgasm, drawing it out, chasing his own release.
The sensation was more than white static. It was a burning white fire that made my toes curl and now I saw how it had taken Emmett and Rose weeks to leave their house. I never wanted to leave this. I wanted Carlisle and I to continue going forever.
We were blessed with such short refractory periods it wasn't even funny.
This was probably going to be my favorite extra curricular activity outside everything else.
"CARLISLE!" I screamed as he twisted my nipple tightly between his smooth dexterous fingers, pulling it, sending the jolt straight to my clit at the same time I came.
My entire body was shaking and her wrapped one arm around me. My legs, wobbly, I jerked forward, the both of us landing off the bed and onto the floor. We didn't even break rhythm, barely noticing the stone floor beneath the both of us. Carlisle simply rolled over onto the carpet, pulling me on top of him, thrusting upwards into me.
We couldn't even get sore.
Carlisle moved his lips to my throat, biting, licking, sucking at my skin, purring with delight as large purple bruises popped up on my skin.
I growled, trying to mark him the same way, and failing. That caused enough confused for the both of us to slow down and observe things.
When we finally came to a complete stop, I was breathing shallowly and so was he. Carlisle ran his hand over my neck, observing the bruises.
He pulled out slowly, causing our combined juices to pool out onto his stomach and he chuckled lightly, kissing me.
"Let's take this to the bathroom, shall we?"
I wasn't as ecstatic, touching the bruises.
"Carlisle, what's wrong with me?" I asked in a whisper. "My skin marks, I don't thirst after blood, blood doesn't even taste that good to me, and I feel completely normal!"
Carlisle pulled me into his arms, carrying me to the bathroom, "There's nothing wrong with you darling. Maybe. . . maybe your gift delves farther than self control."
"So what is it?" I asked.
"Maybe it's more of a. . . normality gift. A gift that keeps you human in a vampire body. I wonder. . . " he drifted off, thinking deeply.
"What?" I questioned.
He looked at me, pulling out the handle on the bathtub- which by the way was huge- and let it fill with warm water. "I was wondering if you could eat human food was all."
I frowned slightly. "But vampires-"
"Vampires also can't bruise." Carlisle said, smiling almost sadly, running his fingers over my hickeys.
"Am I not a vampire?" I questioned. It was overwhelming and venom welled up in my eyes. "Did something go wrong during the transformation?"
"No." Carlisle said. "The only thing that could go wrong is you died. But you didn't. You are a vampire Davina. That much is obvious by the eye colour, the speed, the strength. You have all the physical attributes of a vampire. But when it comes to feeding, that's where you're different. I think it must relate to some sort of gift."
"Carlisle, if my skin can bruise, doesn't that mean I could be killed easier than a normal vampire?" I whispered quietly.
Fear flashed through his eyes for the briefest second. I knew he was thinking about the Volturi and the enemy I had made myself out of Jane.
"I. . . I don't know. There's no way to test it without hurting you either." Carlisle whispered. "I can't test it on you. I can't let anyone else test that on you."
"But evidence suggests it, right?" I questioned softly, throwing my arms around his neck, holding him to me.
"Yes." He said quietly.
I sat there for a long time before he slipped both of us into the bathtub. "It's okay." Carlisle whispered, "We'll figure it out. Everything will be okay."
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jupiterwrites99 · 1 year
Text
You're On Your Own, Kid
Chapter 5
Word Count : 4075
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The night had come a lot of faster than Sage had anticipated. Dinner with the pack was eventful to say the least. She wasn’t used to that level of noise yet and a headache was quick to form. She had excused herself, more so snuck out of the dining room, to have a hot shower to relax her constantly tense frame.
No one had come to coax her back out of the room and she was grateful for the quiet.
She heard the heavy footsteps before the knock on the door, and if she hadn’t already memorised his scent she would’ve ignored it and pretended to be asleep.
Opening the door, she was met with a smiling Paul. His eyes drifted from her face to the shirt she had changed into after her shower. His shirt, she could tell from the lingering scent of his cologne.
“I snagged one for you.” He huskily said, his eyes had darkened as they met hers again.
She looked away reluctantly to the plate in his hands, a singular cupcake sat on the plate and she couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks.”
She gently took the plate from him and opened the door wider, inviting him in as she made her way back to the bed where she had been watching reruns of her favourite show. “Paul?”
“Hm?” He hummed, sitting in the chair next to the bed again. Paul smiled down at the bedside table at where she had organised the things she had found at the beach. Including the little pinecones he had stopped and collected from a tree on his way back to Sam’s after his conversation with the woman whose name she still didn't know.
Sage hesitated, before saying gently, “You should go home tonight.”
“What?” Paul's brows furrowed as he looked at her with confusion.
“You’re only staying here because of me, right? You don’t have to. I’ll be fine.” 
She quickly said, “Your…family probably misses you.”
He shook his head, telling her, “I live alone.”
“Still.” Sage looked at him pointedly. She didn’t want to take him away from his life because of her own issues. Even if he was the only person here who made her feel safe.
She watched as he locked his jaw, looking at her with hard eyes before he asked, “You want me to leave?”
“I don’t want you to feel obligated to stay, I mean, you’ve done more than enough for me already.” She said honestly. Sage liked being on her own for the most part.
Paul looked at her with a knowing look, “Sage, I just want you to feel comfortable.”
“I am comfortable.” She wasn’t lying, per se, but she wasn’t exactly telling the truth either. Sage was as comfortable as anyone would be when their lives had been flipped upside down for a second time. 
“You only talk to me.” He pointed out and she wanted to yell at him, that wasn’t true. She had spoken to Leah, as well. He just wasn’t there.
“I’ll do better.” She mumbled.
“That's not what I’m saying..I’ll leave, if that's what you really want.” His eyes were searching her face, like he was looking for a sign to stay. But, just from the sight of him in that chair, the chair that was two sizes too small to even be remotely comfortable for him, she knew she was making the right decision for him.
She nodded her head.
----
Regret.
That's what Sage felt as she laid awake in her too soft of a bed. The blanket wasn’t nearly warm enough for the cool fall air, nor was the tshirt and sweatpants she wore as pyjamas.
Sam and Emily had gone to bed long ago, and she could tell from the loud snores that Sam was completely out.
She regretted telling Paul to leave. He was her heat source the night before, she had felt it when she had drifted off during their movie, and even more so when she slept on the floor beside him on the couch.
As quietly as she could, she got up and slid her shoes at the foot of the bed on her feet.
Maybe a walk will help, she hoped.
It was a quiet walk. No cars were on the roads and especially no people were milling about.
She pulled the sweater she had found hanging up tighter to her body as a particularly cold gust of wind hit her like tiny frozen darts. When she noticed headlights approaching, instinctively, she wanted to hide.
But as the car drove past her, she let out her breath and kept walking.
The sound of the tires screeching against the asphalt as the car did a u-turn in the middle of the road made her speed up. She was searching in front of her for places to go, the woods being the safest choice but she didn’t want to risk phasing. Sams was too far to go on foot versus the car.
Maybe you could steal a car, the wolf suggested. Sage rolled her eyes at thought.
“Hey!” A man's voice shouted from the driver's side.
That voice is familiar.
She looked to the car that was now slowing to a roll beside her to see the man she had been laying in bed thinking of.
“Get in.” Paul said roughly, she ignored him and kept walking, causing his anger to rise, “Get in or I’ll put you in myself.”
The wolf whined at her. It's what she wanted. 
But she also didn’t want to go back to Sams. Back to that cold room where she would just be staring at the ceiling until the sun rose.
Choosing not to fight him, figuring he would actually put her in the truck if she refused, Sage got in sluggishly. She immediately noticed Paul was shirtless in a pair of gym shorts, “How did you--”
“Sam called me.”  He cut her off.
His voice was deeper than usual. 
Huskier, even. 
“I wasn’t running away.” She tried to explain, but he was quick to cut her off again. His anger was clearly getting the best of him and even she knew not to push it while trapped in a car with an upset wolf.
“I didn’t say you were.” He looked at her and she could see the stress in his eyes. Like he was really trying to keep his composure. She didn’t want him to be angry with her. 
“I wouldn’t leave you.. Not without saying goodbye. Okay?” Sage said honestly. She knew what would happen if they were to be separated for a long period of time, she had seen it with her own mother when her father had died. She shutdown completely due to her grief, leaving Sage on her own to navigate her way through their pack dynamics.
“Good to know,” He scoffed lightly , the crease between his eyebrows deepened as he shook his head.
Clearly that was the wrong thing to say.
Sage had been too busy looking at Paul and trying to gauge his emotions to realise they had pulled into an unknown driveway. A new sense of panic set in, was Sam sending her somewhere else because she kept leaving?
“Where are we?” She asked Paul with wide eyes.
“My house.” He answered as he pulled his key from the ignition. “You can sleep in my bed, I’ll take the couch. I’ll drop you back off at Sam's tomorrow.”
Thank God, she breathed a sigh of relief before realising what he had said.
“No.” She shook her head, she would not be sleeping in his bed. That was his! 
“Sage, I’m not arguing with you about this.” He said through a yawn.
She grabbed his hand, forcing him to look at her, then down at their hands intertwined, “I don’t want to sleep in your bed.”
He takes a deep breath, “Why not?”
“It’s yours. I’ll sleep on the ground.” She stated, and rushed out of the car, pulling her hand from his in the process.
Paul let out a sound of annoyance, “You’re not sleeping on the ground.”
“I always sleep on the ground.” Sage rebutted, rolling her eyes in the process.
Paul cracked his knuckles, and stayed quiet. No longer arguing with her as he muttered “Let's go.” 
He placed his warm hand on the small of her back ushering her up a small flight of stairs and into his home. He had clearly been asleep before Sam had called to inform him of her leaving. That much she was certain as she walked into his room. His bed was unmade, the comforter slung to one side and the lamp closest to the door was the only light in the room.
“What do you need to be tucked in?” He asked, looking over his shoulder at her. He had walked past her, plugging his phone back into its charger.
She shook her head, the guilt dwelling in her mind, “I’m sorry for waking you.”
“It’s fine. Now are you going to stand there all night?” She just blinked at him, feeling uncomfortable, “Look, Sage. I’m tired, you look tired, just get in the bed.”
“It’s yours.” She mumbled. Shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
“I’m aware.” He sat on the edge, “You can have that side, I’ll have this one. Your own little territory.”
She nodded in compromise, waving off the slight jab he had made. And quickly made her way to the side he deemed hers. She tried to make herself as comfortable as possible as he turned off the light, muttering a rough goodnight to her.
The heat emitting off of his skin was exactly what she had been looking for, allowing her to drift off to a dreamless sleep. 
Though it wasn’t enough to fix the uncomfortableness of the bed as she tossed and turned on the cloud like mattress. She missed the hard ground.
Sage grumbled to herself as she awoke for the second time due to the bed, though this time there was the weight of an arm around her waist.
Paul had crossed the territory.
She could feel his breath on the back of her neck, fanning it with hot air. His arm was comforting, like a warm, weighted blanket. But it wasn’t enough to put her back to sleep, no, she wanted to lay on the ground. 
She fully intended to until Paul tightened his arm around her waist and he mumbled tiredly, “Don’t go.”
She settled back into his arm, her back flush against his chest as she looked over her shoulder, “You’re really hot, you know.”
A sleepy smirk formed on his face. His eyes were still closed and she couldn’t help but marvel at his beauty. Sage groaned, “Not like that.”
Sage rolled over and faced him. She traced with her index fingers the sharp points of his face. Still getting used to skin to skin contact again, before sighing,  “You’re quite pretty,”
“Pretty?” He blinked his eyes open. She smiled guilty, she really didn’t mean to wake him again.
“Mhm.” 
“What time is it?” He asked lowly.
She shrugged. She assumed it was early morning from the birds beginning to chirp outside his window.
Paul let her go to  grab his phone off of his nightstand, the numbers reading 4:23am in a bright white font. He dropped his phone down again before readjusting his arm around her.
“Back to sleep, Sage.” He said quietly as he reclosed his eyes.
She scoffed lightly, “Easier said than done. You’re in my territory.” 
He groaned, and if his eyes had been open she had no doubt he would have rolled them, “C’mere.”
Paul used his arm to pull her closer, her head directly on his chest. The sound of his heartbeat was serene. 
He moved his hand to her hair. Raking it gently with his fingers as she fluttered her eyes shut, sighing in contentment, “This bed is too soft.”
“Hm?” Paul hummed.
Sage explained softly, hoping he would understand, “I slept on the ground for five years, your bed is like a marshmallow compared to it.”
“If this doesn’t work we’ll sleep on the ground, how ‘bout that?” He offered, shifting slightly so that their legs became a tangled mess beneath the sheets.
So much for having their own territories.
Though she wasn’t complaining. It was a much more comfortable position than she had been in previously.
She nodded her head in response to his offer, yawning as he combed through her hair with one hand  the other rubbing circles on her back.
Her eyelids felt heavier and in his arms, it was the safest she's felt in years.  This is what she had always thought it would be like to have a mate. Not what had been forced on her back in her old pack. Sage shuddered at the thought.
Leaving him would be heart wrenching, but she knew eventually she would have to if word got back to her old pack that she was seemingly a traitor. 
------
Paul had dropped her off on the doorstep of Sam and Emilys home, almost as if he was making sure she actually made it through the door. Though he didn’t  hover, leaving to go on patrol as soon as she stepped through the threshold.
Now she regretted coming back as she eavesdropped on Emily's conversation with the unknown woman from the beach. 
“It’s not right, Em and you know it.” Sage could hear the unknown woman's voice through the open window, “This girl just shows up and suddenly he's capable of all the things I asked of him. He made me so many promises, promises that he was going to do better, that he was going to change, and he didn’t.”
“You know that neither Sage or Paul had any say in this.” Emily retorted.
It didn't take a genius to understand that this woman, who she didn’t even know the name of, was talking about her. Why, was something she couldn’t understand. Paul said he lived by himself, and there was no evidence of this woman in his house that she had noticed. 
And now she was here, venting to Emily about her arrival.
“But he just gave into it, how many times did he say that if it happened he would fight it? That it wouldn’t matter to him?” The mystery woman ranted. 
What was Paul supposed to be fighting? Sage questioned herself. There were no threats here.
“I don’t think this is how he imagined it to go, Rachel.” Emily’s soft voice tried to soothe the tension escalating on the other side of the door. “It’s a complicated situation that we are all adapting to. He’s just trying to make sure she’s okay right now.”
Rachel was her name. 
Nobody had ever mentioned Rachel before. 
“What about me? It's all Sage this, Sage that, as if we haven’t known each other since highschool.  He’s known this girl for a week!” Rachel exclaimed loudly.
Sage frowned. 
All this drama because she crossed the treaty line she didn’t know existed.
If Rachel wanted Paul, she could have him. She didn’t want to be here anyways.  The smell she had caught a whiff of in the grocery store with Paul still stuck in the back of her mind. It belonged to a hunter who had been terrorising her pack since she was a child. She never thought she would catch the scent again after leaving the territory claimed by the Marshall pack. Though, she also didnt think that there were any packs along the coast of Washington, yet here she was.
The wolf in her growled at her thoughts, it didn’t like the idea of leaving Paul.
“Ignore her.” Leah spoke from behind the younger girl, Sage turned to face her, startled by her sudden appearance, “Rachel couldn’t take a hint if it hit her in the face.”
Sage smirked at the older woman's words. 
“Sam wants me to take you along the perimeter, show you the treaty line and all that.” Leah continued,  “We can walk it if you’d like.”
Sage nodded. Jokingly, she said, “I’ve missed being on two legs.”
She was just starting to get used to being on two legs again, and she liked that people could understand her now. Even if she didn’t talk much.Something she was determined to work on after Paul commented on it the night before.
PAULS POV
As soon as he had stepped through the backdoor, Sage was in front of him. A sheepish smile adorned her face as she quietly asked for his help to make the hot chocolate he had promised her.
Though his legs ached for him to sit down, and the onset of a headache after listening to Quil babble for the last 10 hours urged him to shut his eyes in search of peace and quiet, he agreed. 
They had resorted to asking questions about each other while they waited for hot chocolate to cool down. More so than Sage firing them off, than him.
If it had been anyone else delaying his post patrol nap he would have told them to fuck off, but she was talking to him. That's all he's been wanting since they had found her, he’d be damned if he let his own arrogance ruin it.
Especially after she had bolted the night before after telling him to leave her alone for the night.
It ended up working out for him though, spending the night with Sage in his arms where he was absolutely sure she was safe and sound, even if it meant being woken up before the birds because of her tossing and turning. He wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Fuck, he thought, It’s been a week and I’m already in deep.
Paul had never wanted to imprint. The idea of his life revolving around one person, being at their beck and call, all because his ancestors told him to be, was never appealing.
But when it happened, everything just made sense. 
Like the earth had shifted and everything was brighter. He was no longer living in black and white.
Only problem was, he didn’t have the patience. Paul was too much of a physical person, touching was his love language. Though he kept that to himself. He was jealous of his brothers for reasons he couldn’t say out loud.
He had been so relieved to find out she was twenty two. Only four years younger than him, yet, she had been a wolf for the same amount of time. They would have phased for the first time in the same year, how odd is fate?
Paul was shocked to learn how young she was when she had first shifted, the fact that she had her own pack was also bewildering. From the sound of it, she had grown up knowing she was going to eventually join the rest of her pack. Unlike Paul, who had been completely blindsided.
“Uh, green.” Paul said, after realising he hadn’t answered her most recent question.
“Like the trees?” She asked.
“No, more of a moss green, with just a little bit of gold in it.” His eyes scanned hers as he figured out how to put into words just how beautiful the colour of her eyes were. They were brighter than the day she was found, less wary. More trusting. It made his wolf beam to see her trust them. “What about you?”
.
“Silver,” She said without missing a beat.
“That's not a colour,” He teased, though he wanted to know why silver was her favourite colour. She had spent so much time seeing the world in black and white, stuck as a wolf, surely there was another colour she enjoyed more than silver.
She rolled her eyes playfully and Paul grinned as his wolf howled within from witnessing her blossoming personality.
Sage's eyes flicked around the room as she hummed in thought, “Fine, um, red.”
“Red?” He asked, looking for an explanation.
“Yep, all my favourite things are red. My first bike was even red, my mom had to hide it from me because I used it so much it was falling apart.”
Paul's eyes flicked down to the hoodie she wore. 
His hoodie.
It was more than ten years old and he outgrew it when he began the shift. The faded school logo was barely legible now.  Nothing about it was special.
But it was red.
The two wolves were interrupted by the heavy feet of Jared entering the kitchen, Paul couldn’t help but scowl. He didn’t want Jared to push Sage back into her shell and as he was about to tell him to get lost before that could happen, he was stopped by the mousy voice from the girl across from him.
“Hi,” Sage mused, a bright smile on her face that could brighten anyone's day.
Jared chuckled at her enthusiasm, or maybe the fact that Paul's eyes nearly bugged out of his head at the greeting.
“Hi, Sage.” Jared responded, before asking, “What are you guys up to?”
“I’m going to the beach.” She piped, before looking at Paul and continuing,  “Paul helped me make hot chocolate, do you want some?”
Jared grinned, looking from Sage to Paul. The familiar feeling of simmering rage began to take over him, or maybe it was jealousy as he bit back a growl.
They made the hot chocolate together, for them, now she wants to share?!
“Can I--” 
Paul interrupted him before Jared could finish his question, standing up abruptly. Grimacing as he startled the young girl. “No, come on, Sage. The suns going to start setting soon.”
“Bye.” She said just as enthusiastically as she had greeted Jared and Paul ushered her out quickly. The thermos of hot chocolate clutched tightly in his hand.
SAGES POV
“You’re a little minx.” Paul said from beside her as they made their way down the familiar path to the beach. Sage furrowed her eyebrows, looking up at him with a squint as the setting sun shone in her eyes.
“I don’t know what that means.”
He lets out a laugh that sounds more like a scoff, “I make one comment that you only talk to me, and now you’re replacing me.”
“I could never replace you.” She said earnestly. And it was true. She could, and never wanted to replace Paul. He was her first friend, the first person who tried to help her get her life back.
Sage walked ahead of him, straight towards the largest rock she could find.“This is a good spot.” She said before sitting in the sand. Sage looks up at Paul when she realised he hadn’t sat with her. “What?”
“Nothing.” A hint of a smile on his chiselled features, “Do you want to sit down there or on top?”
“It's safer down here,” She remarked, sinking her fingers into the cold sand.
He nodded and sat down beside her before asking, “How is it safer?”
“I can hear everything from here, but nothing can see us. Or at least me, you’re kind of big to hide.” She explained, only to be met with a frown. Her eyes widened in worry, maybe she was wrong and this wasn’t the safest spot on the beach.
“Sage..You’re completely safe right now. Hidden or not.” Paul spoke gently, 
“But--” She begins to argue but remembering, there's no one hunting them,“Right, nevermind.”
“It’s just going to take some getting used to.” He reassured her.
Quietly, she asked, “Can we switch?”
He nodded and the two stood to their feet before figuring out how to fit the both of them on the rock. The settled with her legs draped over Pauls, she was grateful for this position given how cold it was getting next to the water.
After sitting in silence, indulging in the hot chocolate he had handed her in the thermos cup, she asked, “Do you always phase back?”
Paul nodded, “Depends on if there's threats or not. The longest I’ve stayed as a wolf was three weeks.”
“That's it?” She asked in shock.
He chuckled, “Yeah. It's a good thing we’ve crossed paths, if i need to stay in wolf form any longer than that, I’ve got you to show me the ropes.” 
Paul nudged her gently and she smiled up at him. 
Her wolf whined at the prospect of him being in the same situation they were in.
“It’s not that hard.” She said nonchalantly before taking a sip of her hot chocolate, “Just avoid the hunters.”
“Noted.” He laughed before looking out at the water. The sun just upon the horizon, making a rare, glowing sunset. It was so peaceful. It almost made everything she was going through worth it.
“Paul?” She asked.
“Hm?” He hummed, looking down at her.
She fiddled with the thermos as she asked, “Do you have a phone I could borrow, there's someone I’d like to try calling…”
“You said there wasn’t anyone.” He commented, a hint of skepticism in his voice
Sage grimaced as his tone shifted, “I didn’t lie.”
“I never said you did.” He pointed out.
“I don’t know if he’ll even remember me, it's been so long..But he’s the only person who may actually believe me.” She explained, and it was true. The last time she saw him was at her fathers funeral. 
The older man's tone was serious and slightly intimidating as he said, “Sage, you can’t tell anyone.”
 She furrowed her brows, looking up at Paul, “But I trust him.”
“Well I need you to trust me,” He shifted his body causing her legs to fall off his,  “It’s not safe for you, or the pack. No one can know.”
“I trust you.” She spoke honestly, before she asked, “How am I supposed to explain where I’ve been for the past five years?”
Paul sighed, running his fingers through his hair, “I’ll figure that out for you, then you can call…”
“Josh.” She said quietly. She missed him a lot. He was the only outsider she was allowed to be around, the only real human. Both of her parents trusted him as well. Sage regretted not telling him she was leaving the pack.
“Josh.” He repeated with a scoff.
She raised her eyebrow at his tone, “I think you two would get along, honestly.”
A nearby howl interrupted whatever Paul had opened his mouth to say, but she could tell by the look in his eyes, he disagreed with her statement. He didn’t even know Josh and he had already formed his opinion. The thought of him not liking her uncle made her frown. He was family, the only one she had left.
“I should get you back.” He muttered, standing up and reaching out for her hand to help her.
“Patrol?” She asked, “Leah explained it earlier.”
“Yeah, Sam’s just getting off so you won’t be alone at the house.”
“Im tougher than I look, you know”
“I know.” He said with a slight smirk, “It’s more so for my own sanity.” 
He helped her down off the rock, his hand lingering on her waist as she returned the lid of the thermos.“Well, I had fun. Thanks for bringing me.”
“Sage?”
“Yeah?” She looked up at him expectantly.
“If your bed is too soft tonight, try the couch. It’s a little firmer.” He said, and she smiled for the tip he had given her. Though that meant he wasn’t planning on spending the night again.
“Where are you going to sleep?” Left her lips before she could stop it. She had slept so well in his bed, and the regret of sending him away still lingered.
“I’ll be out all night.”
“Oh.” 
“Is that okay?” He asked gently, bringing his warm hand up to her cheek to make her look him in the eye.
“Yeah.. It’s just..” She trailed off, “ Nevermind.”
“What is it?” Paul asked, concern evident on his face.
“Emilys house is really cold at night.” She mumbled sheepishly.
Paul smirked, it was slightly arrogant but loved it anyway as he told her,  “I’ll see what I can do about that.”
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stormgrl19 · 6 months
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𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝐿𝑖𝑠𝑡
Requests: open
Languages: English
I automatically write for fem!reader, but if you ask I can also write for genderneutral!reader.
I also write Imagines for oc x reader. (I will try to make the OC like you describe it, but if you want, it can also be a surprise.)
I will not write explicite smut, so please don't ask me for it and last but not least it can or will take a while until your request will be written as I am really good at procrastinating, so please be patient!
Oh, and English is not my first language, please tell me when you find wrong spelling and grammar!
Oksa Pollock.
Mortimer McGraw
Tugdual Knut
OC
The 100.
John Murphy
OC
OUAT.
Peter Pan
Twilight.
Paul Lahote
Jared Cameron
OC
TVD/ TO.
Kol Mikaelson
Kai Parker
OC
Fate: WINX.
Stella of Solaria
Sebastian Valtor
OC
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jusstya · 11 months
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❪ ៸៸ EDIT FOR CAST / MY FANFIC ✰ COME BACK • Edward Cullen X Female Oc ❫
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I Hope You Don't Mind
                                   
Paul Lahote X OFC
Mia Walker didn't know what was the next step in her life but it for sure wasn't any of this. Her complete life plan was changed around with a simple sorry and yet somehow she didn't find herself minding all that much. Well too much anyways.
Chapter 7: Secrets out
Mia sat down on the porch in front of everyone as the group pulled up chairs around her waiting for her to speak. Her hands twisting in her lap while she watched everyone get settled. Alex was still missing and Brady, Celeb and Colin were out as wolves checking the perimeter but everyone else seemed to be there waiting for her to tell her story. The idea was so strange to her, that the people she had been hanging out with for weeks just magically turned into wolves. Or some sort of genetic thing but Mia liked the idea of magic instead.
“Why don’t you explain now that we are all here.” Sam directed towards her; his arms crossed while his face remained calm. Paul reached over and held her hand while he stared at her also, everyone else’s attention turned solely on her. Her nerves were getting the better of her but at least Paul helped and wasn’t pulling away yet.
“The reason you guys have…smelt me? Or the vampire on me because Callie is a vampire. And she came to visit yesterday.” Mia started giving them some time to accept that information, Paul’s hand twitched in hers like he wanted to pull away from her but luckily he didn’t.
“We lived in a small town in New York before I came here. And there was a venue for parties and one of our friends had their sweet sixteen there. When it was over and Callie mom was running late, we told her we would met her at the gas station down the road. The town was super safe, Callie used to walk around all the time and never had any issues till then. We got a snack and sat over by some picnic tables and were waiting when this guy showed up. He was.. creepy. I was closest to him and Callie grabbed me and pushed me behind her and he for some reason became amused by her doing that. He was talking about wanting her to join him and of course we didn’t know what that meant at the time.” Paul’s hand tightened his grip on her hand, squeezing it a little too tightly as the rest of the group let out small gasp but remained silent to listen to her story.
“He moved so fast.. the next second she was on the ground screaming. I.. I didn’t know what was happening and then he was just gone. And then I saw her mom and she just stopped acting like she was in pain. So I thought she was fine but when we got back to her house… She didn’t want her mom to know what had happened and nothing seemed wrong, so I just went with it. I thought everything was okay.” Mia could remember how scared she was, she spent the day wondering if she should tell Callie’s mom but she begged her not to. She knew that something was going on with Callie the next day she stayed in bed, barely moving. But she wasn’t screaming and Mia wondered if maybe she had just made the man up or it was just some dream. Maybe Callie was just sick. Anything to try explain the strangeness they went though.
“Callie changed. She got prettier and colder. After the weekend was up she finally opened her eyes and they were this bright red like the mans. I don’t know what happened but she moved fast when she threw me against the wall, she went to bite me. I know that now the smelled my blood and I think she realized what she was going to do.  So she stopped and just flung herself back onto the bed and sat there for half an hour. When she opened her eyes, she was so terrified. We didn’t know what was going on and she didn’t try to bite me again so we let it go? We went out that day and tried to find the man, Callie didn’t want to me to go with her but I wasn’t leaving her alone. And as you guys know.. Callie glittered in the sunlight so we had to wait till night but we found him. He looked so… proud. He said what a good job he did. He explained everything and said that they could share me.” Mia shuttered at the memory; Paul’s hand tightened around hers as he glared at the nonexistent man. Quickly kissing his knuckles as she gave him a small smile to let him know it was okay. It was the most comfort she could give him when trying to finish the story without freaking out.
“She pulled us away after he said that and it confused him. He explained how she shouldn’t have been able to stand near me. He expected her to kill me as her first meal. He went to attack and she… Well she ripped him apart. Turns out they don’t die that way. After she ripped him apart we buried the pieces. Well she did but still. We thought it was fine and just kinda freaked out together. Two days later I was getting ready to go home and he appeared at her living room window fully intact. They fought again and part of him fell into the fireplace. So after she finished him off, we got all the pieces and burned him.” Mia told them, that was a memory she could never forget. Callie looked like she was sobbing but no tears would come out, her body shook while they tried to put the house back together, luckily most of the fighting was done in the backyard. Once everything was done Callie and Mia just sat on the living room couch both crying until her mom came to pick her up a blamed it on some movie they watched.
 “That’s why I said she wasn’t a threat because we realized little bit later that she could get rid of senses. It was what she did when she went to attack me. She has been able to redo it since, every couples month she has to but it last longer now. She makes sure the desire doesn’t ever come back and just drinks rejected blood.”
Mia stared at everyone when she finished her story, waiting for someone to respond but they all seemed to be thinking it over everything she had told them. She knew it had to be a lot to take in, sure supernatural was normal to them but from this random person dating their friend she doubted anyone would expect that. Specially from what Callie and Mia found out they weren’t very common. What were the chances.
“Why doesn’t she smell like the others? You can tell you were around one but it’s off. Normal ones smell sweet and burns our nose. She’s just a mild inconvenience type of way.” Jared said leaning forward on his knees while he stared at her.
“I don’t know. I never heard anything about the smell and I don’t notice it.” Mia said shrugging, Callie smelled the same as anyone else she didn’t notice any difference. She didn’t even think there was a change between human Callie and vampire Callie.
“I would like to meet her then. See how well this resist to blood is. But we don’t usually allow vampires onto our land.” Sam spoke up towards her unsure how to go about this new information.
“Oh! She would love to meet you.” Mia chuckled. She could imagine Callie excitement meeting actually werewolves, lots of dog jokes. “I was in a car accident after she changed and there was a lot of blood. Callie was the one that found me and she was fine. Pulled me out and saved me. And she wears contacts now. They are brown which is odd but they hide the red well. She’s really not a threat but if needed I can move out of your area. From the stories you guys don’t get along.” Mia told them, biting her lower lip while she looked around. She didn’t want to leave all of them but she was friends with Callie and one of the last remaining two friends she had from before. She couldn’t just leave her.
“You are not moving further away already. We have so little time left with you around here as it is.” Paul said rolling his eyes unsure how he felt about everything but he knew that she couldn’t just leave. They would have to make something work without losing her.
“You normally would be the one fighting to get her away from them and all of sudden you are okay with it?” Quil turned to Paul. Paul let out a sort of growl as he glared at the younger boy.
“If she trusts her, I give her some trust. Sam will check her out and so will I.” Paul growled out towards him. Mia eyes widened slightly at the dark tone of his voice; she had never heard Paul sound so scary.
“I’m just saying. You hated vampires more than most of us and now you are just all okay with a random one. You barely tolerated the Cullens.” Quil pointed out, his arms crossed while he stared at Paul. Mia didn’t know who the Cullens were but something must have happened with them, she would have to ask about it later.
“Times have changed. And I’m not just for it. I don’t have much control over it and if Mia telling the truth then she isn’t a danger. Even less then the Cullens and you got along with them just fine.” Paul said rolling his eyes.  
Mia shook her head at them trying to defuse the tension. “You know nothing you will say will change my mind but you guys have the right to decide obviously.”
The group were still giving her mixed reactions, some chuckled and others were glaring at her. It was making her uncomfortable. She didn’t want the group to be mad at her but she also didn’t want to lose Callie over this. She sort of already planned around Paul in her life and she didn’t really think it would all fall apart so soon.
“Are we done?” Paul questioned, looking at Sam for an answer. Sam nodded his head saying for now. Paul got up and his hand still wrapped around hers pulled her up with Mia following him through the path that led to the beach. Neither said anything to each other while Mia focused on the uneven ground, with Paul helping her out. When they got to the beach it was empty. It was still too early in the morning and it looked like it was going to rain for people to show up. The sky was covered in dark gray clouds, through the hoodie she felt the breeze cause a shiver through her.
“If it wasn’t for me, back then you would be on the side to kill her?” Mia spoke up first keeping her eyes on her feet unable to look up at him unsure how she felt about it.
“Yeah, I would have been.” Paul told her honestly.
“Why would you be on my side now?” Mia wondered, if he believed in it then why would he change his mind now just for her.
“Because I’m falling in love with you. And you don’t seem like you would risk your life for someone that’s dangerous. I can’t promise I’ll agree completely but I can give it a shot for you at the least.”
“And if that puts you at odds with your family though… I don’t want to be the cause of that.” Mia expressed shaking her head, Paul had such a wonderful life with everyone around him. She wished she could have what he had, sure she had Callie and some other friends and family but most were conditional.  Paul didn’t have that. They all loved each other and would stand by each other if needed. She couldn’t come between that.
“You won’t be. They’ll understand where I’m coming from.”
“How?” Mia questioned raising an eyebrow at him but Paul looked uncomfortable at the question.  Paul stopped walking a little further up and sat down on a large piece of driftwood. Running his hand through his hair, shaking his head while he looked up at Mia.
“Theres something else. It’s part of the wolf thing, I didn’t think I would have to tell you so soon but I feel like you need to know.” Paul told her sighing as watched the waves crash over the shoreline. Mia looked at him quizzly but stayed silent while she waited for him to find the words to explain whatever he needed to.
“Theres this thing.. After you turn, it supposed to be rare but were not so sure about that. It happens way too much. But when you meet a person and they are basically your soulmate, the wolves have a way to just let you know. But it becomes more than that. It’s a love at first but so much more. Your whole live changes, the universe doesn’t hold you to it but the person does. Being whoever your person needs is who you become. We call it imprinting.” Paul explained to Mia.
Mia stood in silence, her eyes watching the waves soak the sand while her eyes burned. She knew it was too good to be true. She knew Paul was too good be true. “You are forced to want to be with me.” Mia spoke up after a bit her voice cracking while she tried to push back the tears. “It’s not you it’s just some sort of magic or science or whatever.”
“No!” Paul yelled jumping from up from the log, taking Mia face in his hands gently forcing her to look up at him. His thumbs wiping away the tears that slipped down her face. “No.” He said more calmly. “It points us in the right direction. Life is messy and it’s so easy to just let people slip out of it, it’s just a helpful thing to direct you. I think if I wasn’t a wolf and I met you, we would connect, of course, but it wouldn’t be the same. You would travel back to New York and I would be here. Never giving us a chance to figure out how much we care for each other but it just stopped that. Just a jump start at a connection.” Paul tried to explain to her how he saw the imprinting, he was never sure if he wanted to imprint it was a mixed thing. No one seemed unhappy being imprinted but he was happy that it made it so Mia stayed with him instead of going home so fast. He would never know how much he cared for her.
“So the feelings.. they are real?” Mia asked softly trying to stop the tears.
“Yes, yes very real. It’s not like our relationship is going to be perfect and nothing goes wrong. We’ll fight and get on each other nerves. I will defiantly get on yours all the time. And I didn’t love you right away that just comes with knowing what an amazing person you are.”
“But they said how you changed? I don’t want to change you or for you to be less... you just because of me.”
“Didn’t you change while growing up? If we had met a few years ago, I don’t think anything you could have said would have changed my mind. But we have been through some things, I can explain some another time but I’m not the angry hot head that I once was.. well as much.” Paul smirked at her.  “Not everything is the same and the world isn’t good guys and bad guys. I would rather have no vampires that is pretty much true but some are decent. And you said she doesn’t have the desire to kill which is also a huge help. I’m not saying I’m completely cool with it but I can’t control you.” Paul said taking her hands in his pulling her close to him as Mia still looked worryingly into his eyes.
“I’m here because I want too. If this is too much and you want to leave, I understand that too.” Paul told her wanting to make sure she had an out. But Mia didn’t need one, the world of magic was nothing new to her and what was one more magical creature in her life. Wasn’t it a reader’s dream to fall into the world in the books you read. And here she was living in that world. Vampires and werewolves and falling for a man who loves her and living out all her dreams. Mia had a hard time being anything but happy right now.
Reaching up she placed both hands on the side of Paul’s face pulling him towards her to kiss him, she could feel the physical release of Paul’s body when she did as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Mia didn’t know how long they stood on the beach but the cold raindrops cut them off. Wrapping her hand into Paul’s as they ran back to Sam’s and Emily’s house to try getting out of the rain.
But when they showed up they were soaked, their clothes dripping over the covered porch as they laughed looking at each other.  Mia opened up the front door but made sure to stay outside not wanting to soak Emily’s floors. Quil, Sam and Embry were sitting at the small dining room table talking over what Mia told them. She was embarrassed but she figured she would be a topic of conversation for a little bit at least.
“Erm.. Can I have my keys? I would get it but bit wet.” Mia said gesturing to her dripping clothes.
Quil got up from his spot to hand her the keys from where she had left on the counter closet to him.
“I want to say sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I said.” Quil told her and looking over her shoulder at Paul mainly but gave her a small embarrassed smile.
“Don’t worry about it. I get it.” Paul said forgiving him already, he understood where Quil was coming from, even if it pissed him off when he said it Quil was only pointing it out.
Quill face broke out in a huge smile, removing any sort of tension left behind. “So I take it you guys are good? No freak out?” He asked looking back at Mia who just shook her head at Quil.
“Not today.”
“Good. Paul would not be fun if you did. Though you did have a cheat to the freaky.”
“Don’t make me regret forgiving you.” Paul growled in a joking tone at him, Mia just rolled her eyes at the two of them.
“Well I’m going to the hotel to get dry clothes since day plans changed. Paul wanna come watch a movie? I think I have your bag in my car with clothes in it too.” Mia said turning back to Paul slightly shivering as a gust a wind blew across the yard. She needed to get out of these clothes before she ended up sick.
“Sounds great. Bye guys!” Paul yelled slightly into the house but Paul and Mia ran towards her car in the rain trying to climb in as fast as possible before they answered back. Mia quickly turned the car on and blasted the heat causing Paul to groan but still sat close to Mia to warm her up.
Mia was quiet on the way to the hotel, just going over everything Paul had told her today. It wasn’t everyday your boyfriend tells you he can turn into a giant wolf and all of his friends do too. Mia wondered what other creatures were actually real and people just didn’t know about them.
“Are you really okay with it?” Paul questioned nervous when they pulled into the parking lot, Mia was able to look at him giving him a small comforting smile.
“I have a vampire best friend. Who only by chance doesn’t kill. This is nothing. You are simply more special now. Now let’s get soaked again. Don’t forget your bag!” She called out before flinging open the door and quickly running to her hotel door with Paul trailing after her.
Paul quickly ran to the bathroom when they entered as Mia stayed in the main room to get out of the clothes. Once she was dressed in a pair of leggings and a hoodie Paul brought over last time he was here for a movie night, which she was pretty sure he brought over for her to keep since he never seemed to need it… which was probably a wolf thing now that she thought about it. But she made her way over to the closed bathroom door giving it a small knock.
“All clear!” She called out to him giving him a grin when Paul made his way out of the bathroom in a pair of shorts and a tank top. Mia jumped on the bed as Paul curled up next to her, causally throwing his arm over her shoulder and kissing her temple.
Flicking through Netflix to find some sort of movie to watch, when Mia grinned at Paul and turned on the Teen Wolf movie. Paul just groaned at her and pulled her back against himself giving her a grin. “Sooo what are wolf things? Clearly turning into wolves and super smell.” Mia questioned him not really paying attention to the movie.
“We are fast. Faster than blood suckers. Sorry” Paul said at Mia wince at the word. “Vampires. We have really good hearing and eyesight. We stop aging while we are changing. So when we first start the process we age to where we are now and just kind of hit pause for a while.”
“You don’t age?! Why does no one in my life age but me! I mean sure I don’t want to be a teen forever but jez.” Mia said rolling her eyes at another person in her life just frozen in time, she almost felt bad for them unable to fully live a life normally.
“I’m sorry.” Paul said laughing. “I will age with you. I just need to stop becoming a wolf and I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet.”
“Understandable. So this super warm thing, werewolf?” Mia said running her hand down Paul’s arm feeling the heat radiate off of him.
“Yupp.” Paul confirmed intertwining their hands together and kissing her knuckles softly. “I don’t understand that part. It’s just a thing that happens.”
“Odd. What else?”  Mia questioned, looking up at Paul wanting to know everything about him. Mia was fascinated just as she was when they figured out Callie was a vampire. The two spent hours researching and testing the limits of what Callie could do.
“We heal faster, skin is tougher both to fight vampires. Oh! When we are in wolf form we can hear each other’s thoughts. Every little one, even the ones we don’t want to.”  Paull added on like it was no big deal.
Mia raised an eyebrow at the idea of someone in her head, she would hate everyone hearing the strange thoughts that pop in but it would explain why everyone is so close. They had no choice but to be. It was a good thing they all got along or it seems like it would be awful thing to deal with.
“Sounds..I dunno. I’m not sure I would like that.” Mia told him.
“It has good and bad. You learn to somewhat control your thoughts. Kind of embarrassing when you are remembering kissing a pretty girl and everyone sees it.” Paul chuckled shaking his head.
“How many pretty girls did you kiss before?” Mia asked teasingly.
“Hmmm none as pretty as you precious. And I rather not share my memories of you to them. I want to keep them and you all to myself.” Paul said running his large hand up her arm and placed a hand on her cheek tilting her face up so he could kiss her. Mia rolled her eyes at the response but gladly reacted to Paul.
Mia smiled into the kiss pulling her body close to his as possible, Paul’s hand gripping her sides as she deepened the kiss, throwing her leg over Paul’s so she could straddle him. She could feel Paul’s heat surround her as his mouth moved down to Mia’s neck as she let out a soft moan. They found themselves in this position quite a bit in the last couple weeks but something seemed different. Maybe it was because there were no more secrets between them or maybe it was just the act of getting to know Paul but she wanted more. She wanted him. Taking a deep breath, she pulled back from Paul slightly, grabbing the of the bottom of the hoodie she pulled it off her feeling the cold air against her skin.
Smiling as Paul’s eyes roamed over her body, taking encouragement from it she leaned back forward to kiss him once again, his hands running up her back playing with the back of her bra.
“Go ahead.” She whispered, feeling her cheeks turn a bright shade of red but tried to appear confident. Yes, she was sure she wanted Paul but it didn’t help her awkwardness or shyness any. But Paul loved her and she loved him, she just needed to focus on that and maybe his lips trailing across her chest. It was a good distraction to get out of her own head.
“You sure you want to?” Paul asked seriously, pausing his movement to make sure Mia was fully looking at him and paying attention.
“I’m sure.” Mia confirmed, giving him a smile letting Paul take over control.
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wolfpackss · 1 year
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Hi!
Can I ask for a Sam Uley sister reader who got imprinted on by Paul and how Sam would react? Maybe some smutty things involved and they get caught in sam’s house or something?
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“Dinner’s ready!” You almost didn’t hear Emily yell out to everyone, with your head in Kim’s lap as her fingers braid softly through your hair. She’s been practicing fishtail braids and she insisted your hair was perfect for it. Your peace being disturbed by a bunch of half naked guys running towards the kitchen, hoping to be the first to grab some food. “One last strand of hair, there! Finished!” Kim reaches out for a mirror and shows the you the finished look. “You did great Kim, as always!” You grin at her. “ now let’s get something to eat, before the guys eat everything.”
You both walk into the kitchen, laughing at something Kim said and you bump shoulders with each other before being dragged into your boyfriend’s lap. He starts filling your plate and his with food while leaving small little kisses on your neck. During dinner, Paul keeps his one hand on your inner thigh, caressing your skin with his thumb, sometimes giving it a soft squeeze to remind you he’s watching you as you laugh and talk with Emily and Kim.
After dinner you excuse yourself to pack your bags, with Paul fast behind you. You stayed the night at your brothers house to help Emily with wedding preparations. You were kind of weary about Emily in the beginning but that’s because you have a good relationship with Leah and the way their relationship ended wasn’t one you agreed to. But after learning all about the legends, imprints and shifters you decided to give Emily a chance. It’s not that you two were best friends now, but you like the woman and your brother loves her so who are you to stand in the way of fate.
Your daydreaming is cut short when you feel Paul’s hands on your hips, squeezing softly and pulling your ass into his crotch. His one hand wanders over your stomach, to your breasts, stopping only to softly pinch and twist your nipple, before stopping at your neck. You feel his fingers widen and clutch around your throat as he pulls your upper body to his. “Feel what you do to me, baby?” His grinding never stops and you can feel his hard cock straining beneath his shorts. “Fuck baby, need you.. Need you now!” A whimper escapes your mouth and that’s all Paul needs before he pushes you so your hands fall on the bed as hitches your dress up over your ass and pulls your panties to the side.
“Such a pretty pussy, all wet and glistening for me” you hear him mumble his words as he runs a finger through your slick folds and stops at your entrance. He pushes in a little bit before removing and slipping two fingers back inside you. The moan that comes out of you has him go feral. With one hand he keeps finger fucking you into oblivion while the other works at his belt and pants, trying to get them off. He pushes his pants and boxers to the ground and guides his cock to your pussy. He slides it between your folds, flicking your clit with the head, making you see stars. “You ready baby?” He slowly pushes in and let’s you adjust to his size. “So fucking good, so fucking tight” Paul grits his teeth as he starts moving faster, gripping your hips and pulling you back into his cock.
“Ey, y/n! Have you seen the folder with wedding dresses? Emily cant find them and she thinks you-“
You and Paul stop as both your head turn towards the door where a frozen and furious looking Sam stands. He opens his mouth to say something but closes it before slamming the door with a bang. You look over your shoulder at your boyfriend who clicks his tongue. “Well, that kinda killed the mood”
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mybadlywrittenstories · 6 months
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Enchanted to meet you (Paul Lahote X OC) Part 2
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Note: Hey guys this is just a quick little chapter but I assure you all I will be posting another very quickly Word Count: 856
Aeon and Jen laid in bed most of the night, after their daughter had interrupted the meeting with the shifters, things ended quickly afterwards. To most people, the change in the atmosphere would’ve been almost undetectable, however both Aeon and Jen were magic users and could feel like slight shimmer in the room as their eldest daughter Amelia made eye contact with one of the shifters, Paul Lahote. They both were very familiar with the wolf shifters lore, and very aware of the imprinting bond that had an unbreakable hold on them. Aeon had very swiftly ushered the pack towards the basement where they had set up a temporary guest bedroom situation for them—while Jen stayed sat on the couch. Complete and Utter Rage barely remaining contained.
“I don’t know how you can be so okay with this.” Jen gritted through her teeth, casting a sideways glare at the side of her husband’s head. His face was smooth and serene, if it had anyone else gazing upon him, they would’ve assumed him to be asleep; however, she knew better.
“You know, just as I do, that we are no match against fate, My dear.” His tone didn’t portray any emotion as he spoke, which made Jen’s blood boil.
“This isn’t her fate, Aeon.” She propped herself up on her elbow as she turned to fully face him, “Amelia is supposed to take over the Coven, not fall into some story-tale romance with a shifter of all people! We both know just how unruly and short tempered the shifters can be, and you’re just going to sit back and accept it?”
“My love,” He began opening his eyes to meet hers, “You know that I love you and the girls more than anything else in this entire realm. If I genuinely believed he posed some danger, of course I would be concerned. I do not mean to offend you my dear, but I fear you may be judging them a little too swiftly. Yes, the shifters are a formidable enemy, however only if you make them the enemy. The same wolf blood that causes their short tempers is also the same blood that makes them fiercely loyal and protective of those around them. You have also not seen them in battle, I have. Those few years ago when I was called upon to witness for the Cullens, I saw two wolf packs, fighting alongside each other all to protect the imprint of one of the wolves.” Aeon paused to look into the eyes of his wife and could tell the flame of her worry and anger had not been extinguished. “What else is troubling your mind?” He reached out gently, tracing the side of her face moonlit face.
“I just…” She breathed out, leaning into the loving touch of her husband, “She has barely lived, Aeon. Now, she’s supposed to go run off to Vegas and get married? How will she know this is what she wants?”
Aeon let out a breathy laugh. “No, my sweet, sweet, Jenny, I think you misunderstand the imprint bond.” The corners of his mouth tug into a small smile as he sees the look of confusion spread across her features. “Yes, the young man that is sleeping in our basement this very second, could possibly become the future lover of our daughter. That, however, is not for certain. All we can know at this moment is that he will be there for her, through thick and thin, protecting her and loving her in any way she needs, whether that is the love of a brother, best friend, or Lover. All this means for our daughter is that no matter what, she will always have someone by her side who has her best interests in mind.”
“Oh.” Is all she could say as she attempted to shift her way of thinking. A thick blanket of anxiety was wrapped tightly around her heart as she tried to consider what this means for her eldest daughter. If she was to take over the coven, she would benefit from a bodyguard. Having that much power in the magical world did come with a target on her back, and this Paul could make out to be a good protector.
She shook her head gently, dispelling the positive look she had taken on the situation, she still did not like this at all. She raised her daughters to pave their own road in life, not let anyone hold them back. This seemed all too… all too…
She let out a groan of frustration, letting her head fall onto her husband’s chest, as her mind failed to conjure the proper words to describe the feelings eating away at her. Aeon simply entangled his fingers into her hair and gently massaged her scalp, pressing a small kiss on top her head, “It will be alright, I assure you. Give it some time and I promise you will see.”
That was the final words exchanged between the two parents that night, they slipped into a deep sleep not long after, both minds full of thoughts of their dear daughter, Amelia.
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Wildest dreams, pt. 19
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Summary: The pack is looking for Paul.
Warnings: angst, mentions of a forest fire
Wildest Dreams Masterlist
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The wolf’s ears perk up as he smells a familiar scent – one that he’d gotten accustomed to in all the years of knowing his pack brother. He’s in human form, Embry can tell.
I’ve got a trace. Embry tells Jared and Seth who’ve joined him and Sam in the hunt for Paul. It’s faint but he’s been here.
What is he doing all the way here? Seth wonders, changing his direction to where Embry is.
Better question is: why would he leave Y/N to worry without a warning? Jared reiterates.
He can’t remember ever leaving someplace without checking in with his imprint first and it’s not because she forces him to or because he’s ‘on a short leash’ as Paul used to tease him, rather because he senses Kim’s worries. It’s not a pleasant feeling to mirror, but Jared’s learned it’s a much lighter weight on his heart when he explains where he’s going and why; she breathes easier and his mind is free. So why did Paul go into the forest so far from where his home without telling his imprint? Doesn’t he feel Y/N’s worried sick?
That’s something he’ll have to explain to Y/N, not us. He doesn’t owe us anything. Embry exclaims, hearing Jared’s monologue.
Considering I left Kim alone with the kids, he better have an explanation for me too.
STOP! Sam exclaims, the rest of the pack falling silent. Paul’s close. Looking around, Sam makes sure the rest of the pack can get a sense of where he’s picked up a stronger, fresh scent. I don’t think he’s hurt. Or so he hopes. There’s no smell of blood in the air, but there are ways of injuring oneself without a single drop spilled. And worse…much worse.
It doesn’t take long for the rest of the pack to catch up, all of them taking different directions in the area in hopes of finding Paul.
He’s gone closer to the beach. Seth informs, following the invisible trail toward his friend.
Maybe he went for a stroll and we’re all overreacting? Jared questions only for Embry to remark.
If by ‘WE’ you mean Y/N, then you better get your thoughts under control. Even if she mistook the empty bed for a stroll, she’s in actual distress emotionally and that’s not something we ignore or judge. Unless you want a reminder of that time we all had to follow you to Canada because Kim swore you were abducted.
She didn’t mean to alarm you guys.
Embry snorts. She dragged me out of bed by my ankle and forced me to call the pack.
Okay, okay, I got the point. Jared grumbles as Seth stops, pointing his snout down a small hill.
I think I found him. Seth huffs as he angles his head to get a better look underneath the hill toward the narrow, overgrown path. I’ll shift.
Seth didn’t wait for the rest of them to respond before taking human form. Untying the shorts from his left leg, he covers up quickly.
“Paul?” Seth tries, hoping Paul would respond and he wouldn’t have to go down. Hearing nothing but birds chirping in return, Seth sighs. At least there are no vampires lurking or the birds wouldn’t be singing. They’d run in fear to the nearest shelter, just as any other sane being. The wolves are not quite as bright as them.
Considering climbing down, Seth furrows his eyebrows. It wouldn’t take long, but it would still waste time. The path seems clear enough for him to jump, the drop is barely 9 ft. Jumping is simpler, he concludes before taking his thoughts and acting on them.
After the rain of yesterday, Seth could see the dark mud of the path, yet the pine needles on top were already pale and moving with the breeze. Blinking fast, he looks ahead only for his lips to part.
Ahead, in the overgrown bushes that lay underneath the pine trees, sat Paul with his head in his hands and his knees supporting his elbows.
“Paul!” Running toward him, Seth places a hand on Paul’s bare shoulder. “You got us breaking a sweat today”, he chuckles. “I was genuinely terrified thinking about going back to Y/N without you.”
At the sound of her name, Paul flinches and his head snaps up to meet Seth’s relieved smile. It’s all that took for Seth’s smile to retreat and for his heart to drop.
Before him sat Paul, but his eyes are damp with tears that left streaks down his cheeks; all the way down to his chin from where the tears have dripped onto the soil. His lips are chapped and quivering as though he wishes to scream but he can’t breathe, robbed of the ability to use the oxygen that surrounds him. His body is trembling and if Seth didn’t know how hot wolves run, he’d think he’s freezing.
“What happened”, Seth sits beside him, his eyes unable to comprehend the devastation in Paul’s gaze.  
“This is it”, Paul grimaces as if the act of speaking inflicts unbearable pain.
“What is?”
Looking ahead, Paul nods toward a tree a few steps away. “It’s where I saw her die.”
“That won’t happen”, Seth is quick to object. “We won’t allow it.”
Biting his lower lip, Paul shrugs. “It doesn’t matter what we do, this is where she’ll close her eyes for the last time.”
“How can you be so certain?” Seth narrows his eyes at him. “We aren’t giving up. As long as she’s breathing, we have a chance to save her!”
“I see it all the time”, Paul says quietly, “sometimes it’s different but the end is always the same.” And it drives him insane. One moment he’s holding her warm, bare body against his, the next she’s cold, limp, lifeless in his arms.
“Different how?”
“The first time I only saw her die, but now? I see images that lead to it.” Closing his eyes shut, Paul sniffles. “She’s running from something”, he chokes up. “Sometimes I’m with her, a few times I’ve seen Jacob, Embry once, but she’s alone most times”, Paul pauses as a shuddered breath passes his lips. “She’s terrified and I can’t protect her”, he grimaces. “And then she’s in my arms and I’m looking into her eyes and there’s nothing looking back at me.”
Covering his mouth, Seth stares at the spot Paul showed him. If that’s where Y/N dies, then maybe he has a way to make sure it doesn’t come true.
Digging into his pocket, Seth pulls out a lighter before standing straight.
“What are you doing?” Paul jumps to his feet as the flame dances at Seth’s command.
Raising his brows, Seth pulls out a folded sheet of paper from his back pocket. The grocery list isn’t as important as this. “If this is where she dies in your vision, then I’ll destroy it. If there’s no tree or path, how can she die here?”
Frowning deeply, Paul shakes his head. “You’d probably only change the spot where it happens.”
Snorting, Seth shakes his head as he holds up the lighter toward the paper. “Why were you here then? Why’d you leave Y/N alone just to come sit here?”
“Because I dreamt of it again! And for once, I knew where to go.” Running his hand down his face to wipe the tears, Paul purses his lips as he gnaws at the inside of the bottom one. “I needed to see it for myself. To find where it is.”
“So you’d know it’s real”, Seth nods. “Well it is.” He smirks, “And I’m willing to make sure it’s not anymore.”
“Do it”, Jared orders from the hill. “We can try it. We have to.”
“And if the whole forest sets on fire?” Paul turns to Sam who stood quietly.
“We will find a way to contain the fire.”
A small smile appears on Paul’s face as he looks Seth in the eye and nods. “Burn it all.”
While Paul had found a way to ease some of his worry, Y/N couldn’t sit still. She managed to find the few cleaning supplies her dearest wolf owns in Paul’s bathroom and decided to keep herself busy…as well as Jacob.
“Do I really have to”, Jacob whines as he pulls out a little bit of hair out of the drain. “You know I hate this stuff!”
“The girl from Ring will not appear and murder you”, Y/N deadpans. “She’s not real”, she reminds him before pausing, her eyebrows furrowing. “She’s not, is she?”
Chuckling, Jacob shakes his head. “I’ve only ever heard of vampires, shape shifters and rumors about witches.”
“Like Salem?” Her eyes widen. “They were real?”
“Something like that.”
Scrubbing the tiles, she bites her lower lip. Living her whole life as a devout bookworm, Y/N never imagined the things she read about could ever become reality. Older she got, less magic she found in the world. It’s like age siphons it out of you, replacing it with sarcasm and bitterness that settles roots inside the heart in order to flourish for years to come.
Paul feels like the cure to the toxins this tree has been secreting into her bloodstream. She’s been poisoned for so long that her mind became an abyss nothing light could ever penetrate. 
She sees the light now, for the first time in a really long time, Y/N sees the end of the famed tunnel everyone’s been stuck in at least once in their life.
“He’s coming back, right?” Her voice is small, laced with fear and self-doubt Jacob wished she could shed.
Swallowing thickly, he turns to look at her, catching her eye in the mirror. “He’d be a damn fool not to.”
“I need him to not be a fool then”, she states and Jacob nods, reassuring her.
“He’ll come back.”
_______________________
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PART 20
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runwithwolvcs · 7 months
Text
Addicted To You
Play With Me
Words: 2500
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The Past
“Sulli?” He called for her, sitting on her bed to wait for her to come out of her hiding spot,   “Guess I’ll have to eat these cookies by myself,”
She stuck her hand out from under the bed, he quickly grabbed it and slid her out. “No! Paul, stop!”
“No more hiding under the bed.” He told her. The older boy helped her up to her feet before handing her a cookie.
“I like it there.” She said, “It's safe.”
“You are safe with me too,” He reminded her, before motioning her onto the bed, “C’mon”
“Leah and Sam were arguing again,” She told him quietly, leaning into him. Sulli had found his feverish skin to be something of a comfort in her time at the Clearwaters, and always sought it out, even in the other boys when they were around. None of them made her feel as safe as Paul, although Embry was a close second. She liked how quiet he was compared to the others.
Paul sighed,“I heard,” 
“When my mom used to get mad at my daddy, she would throw things at him and one time, i tried to help my daddy and got cut by the glass and now I have this scar,” She pointed to the faded scar just below her eyebrow. “He was so mad after he made me go to the bathroom and told me to hide in the tub until he came to get me,”
“No ones going to hurt you here.” Paul told her softly, matting down her hair that had gone all messy due to her hiding under the bed,  “We’re family, we all love each other,”
 She tore a piece off her giant cookie as she told him, “My mom said love hurts and you just have to deal with the pain.”
“That's not true, Sulli.” He scoffed, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, “The people that love you will never hurt you.”
“But she loves me,” She insisted, although Paul had never questioned her mothers love for her. Sulli still felt the need to defend her.
“Love is about happiness.” Paul said quietly,  “You do things to see the person you love smile and that makes you happy, you don’t want to see them in pain, or hurt.”
“Oh,” She asked curiously, “Are you in love?”
He chuckled at her innocent question and nodded his head, “Yes,” 
“You have a girlfriend?” She asked, though she frowned as she said it.
“I don’t.” He denied with a small chuckle at her reaction. Sue had joked that Sulli had a small crush on Paul, to which the little girl denied. She said she couldn’t possibly have a crush on him because he never wore shoes outside and was constantly covered in dirt. 
“So how are you in love?” Sulli asked with her typically wide eyes of curiosity. 
“You don’t need to be in a relationship to be in love.” He explained, adding, “I love a lot of people. I love my dad, I love the pack, I love you, Sue, and Emily. That's why I protect everyone, because I love them. I don’t want to see the people I love hurt or sad.”
“I don’t know,” She shared with uncertainty,  “My mom and dad do love each other, and they love me.” 
“Okay, Sulli.” He wasn't going to argue with her, Paul was constantly reminding himself that he was talking to a kid who couldn’t see things as anything other than black and white.. She would know when she's older what real love feels like. He would make sure of it. Paul stood up with a small sigh and took two long strides towards the door.
“Where are you going?”Sulli asked, her lip jutting out slightly, making her seem like the kid she was rather than her normal stern look she wore. She was a mini Sue in the making.
“I’m going to have a nap,” He told her. Paul had taken residency in the guest room across from Sullis. While he had been there the week leading up to her arrival, it was starting to be a more permanent fixture in the Clearwater house. “I’ve got work later,”
Sulli frowned. She thought he’d at least be home for dinner, but recently he was gone all morning and all night. With a distinct tone of disappointment, she asked, “Again?” 
“Yeah,” He nodded, frowning to match her own. 
“You can sleep in here,” She offered with a sense of hope. Sulli didn’t want to be left alone anymore, not after Paul's reassurance that Sam and Leahs argument wouldn’t lead to anything more serious.  “I even have a new book to read to you so that you can sleep well.”
“You sure?” He asked with his hand lingering on the doorknob as he watched her grab a new book she and Sue must have got at the library. It was more of a novel than the little books she had been reading before, though everyone in the Clearwater knew she had a more advanced reading level than any eleven years old they knew.
“Yeah,” Sulli confirmed before climbing back on her bed, leaving space for him beside her before she was patting the spot as an invitation.  “C’mon, now.”
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The Present
“Are you just going to stand there?” He grumbled through the dark. His head didn’t even lift to see who had opened the door, allowing the hall light to shine into his dark room. “Or, are you going to join me?”
A smile teased at Sullis lips. The sound of his deep, sleepy voice made butterflies erupt in tummy. She had many sleepovers with men after getting a little too drunk, but none ended up with her waking up alone in a bed that was not her own. She was dressed in Paul clothes, the scent of his cologne lingering and slightly wondered how much of a fight she had put up with him while trying to get her out of her tight, little dress, “Not with that attitude.”
“C’mon,” Paul groaned, turning onto his back and slinging an arm over his eyes after peering over at her. The light is most likely burning them.
Sulli shut the door to the hallway and padded her way over to him. The older man held up the duvet, allowing her to join him under the warmth. Paul's house was as cold as Sues was, and with the temperatures quickly dropping as winter approached, she was thankful he had put her in sweatpants and a hoodie.
Paul gave her space in his bed, nearly a forearm's length apart. It was space that she didn’t want. All she wanted were his comforting arms.
“I’m overwhelmed,” She whispered into the darkness as she laid on her side, looking at his silhouette. 
Paul moved onto his side, facing her before responding, “Why?”
“If I let you get close and then you disappear again,” Sulli stopped, tears filling her eyes as she choked up, “I can’t go through that again. Not with you.”
“That's what you're worried about?” He chuckled, as if it were the most dramatic thing he had ever heard. 
“God, you are such a jerk,” she sat up, disgruntled and the start of a headache starting to build left her with zero patience for a man who couldn’t handle her emotions.He had been so good with her when she was younger, always sitting with her and letting her talk to him like a friend. Now, she really had no clue who Paul Lahote was. Sulli moved to get off the bed before she was pulled right into his chest, their faces mere inches apart. She could feel his chest rise with every breath he took, as if his own actions caught him off guard.
“I’m not going anywhere, Sulli,” He murmured quietly.
Though the younger girl was no longer having his charming ways, she wanted him to be real with her. Just once. Shifting onto her back, allowing him to keep his grip on her waist, she brought up something that had nagged her from childhood,  “Paul, you could find a wife and start a family and forget all about me within a year.”
“Not going to happen.” He refuted, his hand left her waist and  began to travel up her arm, leaving her skin tinged with heat as he did.
“Your wife could hate me.” She pointed out. 
“Not likely.” He denied, his hand brushing over her shoulder before moving up her neck. His index finger tracing her jawline.
“Paul,” Sulli sighed, looking back to him
“Sulli,” He mocked, cupping her jaw and keeping her gaze on him,“What if I told you that you were the only girl for me,”
She laughed at the ridiculousness of his suggestion,“I’d say you're full of shit and trying to get back on my good side.”
“You’re my imprint.” He said, an emotion she couldn’t detect in his tone. Though the word was familiar from the night before, he had yet to tell her it's meaning. Or at least, she doesn't remember the conversation happening, if it did.
“I still don’t know what that means,” She spoke quietly, bringing her own hand to his face, tangling their limbs. She swiped her index finger across the bow of his lips, mesmerised by him. She wanted him, all of him, in an explainable way. Though she figured this was what he was trying to tell her. An imprint, a mark made by someone that had the potential to be long lasting, depending on the surface.
“It's a wolf thing,” Paul answered, his eyes searching her face for a reaction as he continued. He seemed uneasy. As if he could possibly scare her off. Sulli was the most at ease she had felt in years, maybe it was the comfy mattress she was currently on, or the clothes of the man in front of her that engulfed her body. Most likely, it was the heat of the man who had once saved her from her own mind, allowing her to be a kid in a situation that should have never involved one, “Our imprint is our anchor, I guess. A reason to keep hold of our humanity, but also a reason to continue phasing. Someone to protect, and love. ”
“Like a mate?” She asked, she had read about wolves having one mate for their life span. Building and growing with the pack, but never leaving their one true mate, even if one were to die. 
“I guess, yeah.” Paul agreed, mentioning, “It has to do with our ancestors, or at least that's what the elders say. They think imprints are beneficial to their wolf. We are whatever our imprints need us to be for them, a brother, friend, lover..Our imprint is the force that keeps us grounded, it's like we no longer need gravity. Just them. ” 
“But I was a kid.” Sulli brought up her sole focus on his use of the word lover. 
“I know,” He reassured, stroking her cheek as he thread his knee in between hers, binding them even more. “Until you kissed me, I never saw you as anything but a little sister to me.”
Sulli nodded. Her mind worked overtime to keep up with what he was saying, to make sense of it all. Looking at him with bashful eyes, she couldn’t help but ask,“You’re not going anywhere?”
“Not unless you tell me to go.” Paul's face softened, a look he had rarely on his face now, but was in a constant state when she was a kid. 
“And if I do?” She asked curiously. Not that she would ask him to leave, she had plenty of reasons and opportunities over the past month, and yet she felt herself being drawn to him like a magnet even more. The imprint, she supposed.
Paul's brows furrowed as he thought about what she asked, “I don’t know..That's never happened.”
She sighed, “I don't want to hurt you, Paul.”
“Hurt me how?” His eyebrow raised in question. 
“What if I'm not what you're expecting.” Sulli asked surly. She was a lot of things, but damaged was written in bold and underlined twice in her book. 
“I spent ten years feeling every bit of pain you were in,” The older man pointed out, “I thought you were stuck in one shitty home, not multiple. I know what I’m expecting, and I’m okay with giving you anything that you need. Do you need a punching bag? Hit me. You need to scream? Go for it. You want space? I’ll give you it.” His tone was as serious as she had heard it, letting her know that he was all in to reclaim his spot as top wolf in her life. “I just need you to tell me what you want. I can’t read your mind.”
“My coping method is sex,” She noted. It had been since she was fifteen. It allowed her to escape for as long as she could, masking the pain through pleasure and faux affection.
Paul grinned boyishly,“Great, I love sex.” 
“Paul!” She giggled, “My therapist doesn’t think it's great. She thinks I’m an addict.”
“Partially my fault.” He added, and she looked at him in confusion.
“Hm?”
“We are tethered, we feel everything the other feels.” He explained, moving his hand back to her hip to give it a quick squeeze before slipping his hand beneath her sweatpants and caressing one smooth globe a flesh,  “So, if I was hooking up with some girl, you’d probably get horny too.”
“And we both know you were a horndog.” Sulli teased, “Mr. I Don’t Have A Girlfriend.”
“I didn’t have a girlfriend,” He murmured, leaning his forehead against hers. He was so close she could feel his breath against her lips. So close she could kiss him.
“Mhm,” Sulli tsked, “I know a player when I see one,”
Brushing his lips against hers quickly, and teasingly, Paul mumbled as he pressed his pelvis into hers. His hormones on full display like a teenage boy in bed with a girl for the first time,“Hmm, I only want to play with you though,”
She breathily moaned at his touch, “I’ll play with you.”
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since0202 · 4 months
Text
Taking Time—Fifty Five
The only answer was yes.
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Word count: 8,660
I’ve never really believed in bad omens or bad luck. A black cat, a broken mirror, a broom falling before a storm. None of it was particularly foreboding to me. But what happens instead might be worse. Whenever things are going too well, I have this thread of underlying dread running like a hidden current beneath a calm sea. It’s that old saying: What can go wrong, will go wrong. You know that one? Maybe that’s still a manifestation of bad luck—always expecting the worst. It always makes itself known, though. At least to me.  
It was as if the world pressed fast forward over the next ten days for Maya. But she tried to soak it all in as much as possible. News spread of her and Paul’s engagement quickly and her mother demanded upon threat of disownment to throw her an engagement party at her childhood home. 
Maya had given in quickly, to her mother’s surprise, knowing that it was inevitable to avoid a celebration. That’s how Maya found herself on a balmy November afternoon, fielding question after question from elders, distant cousins, and people in her community she’d only seen in passing about her impending nuptials. 
“So, how did he do it?” Her aunt Isla asked conspiratorially, sandwiched between about twelve other people making a semicircle around Maya. 
“Oh, uh, on the cliffs,” she smiled genially, but her palms were sweating as she tried to rub them dry on the front of her bright red mini dress. The sweetheart neckline dipped just low enough to show the tasteful curve of the top of her breasts. Maya shivered slightly, her bare shoulders and legs seemingly more on display here than in a bikini on a California beach. 
“I want to see!” an overexcited teenage daughter of one of her mom’s friends squealed. Maya shoved her hand forward to display the glittering rock nestled on her finger. It really was beautiful and Maya was nearly breathless every time she saw it herself. The crowd around her ooh’ed and aah’ed, grabbing her hand unceremoniously and bending it this way and that to make it shimmer in the light. 
Maya grimaced, this was the same routine on repeat she had done for the past hour and a half as people circulated around her. Paul had been swallowed up by other crowds, no doubt being subjected to the same onslaught of questions. 
“Are you moving back then?” a question carried from a part of the crowd, but Maya wasn’t sure who it came from. 
“What? Oh, no, I still have another year left—,” she tried to respond but was quickly cut off by other overlapping questions:
“Can’t you transfer?” 
“Poor Paul, I’m sure he misses you terribly.”
“Newlyweds really shouldn’t be apart in their first year, it’s so important to be together.”
“You should really think about transferring.”
“When are you guys planning on trying for a baby?”
“Oh! A baby! So sweet.”
“You guys would make the cutest kids.”
It was…exhausting. 
Maya tried to smile as she curled an arm around her middle uncomfortably as the questions continued. She couldn’t even get a word in, they were just relentless. 
“Excuse me, folks,” Paul’s warm, deep voice ran a shiver down her spine. Suddenly, he was there, his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her into his side and instantly banishing the chill that had settled over her. 
He handed her a glass of champagne that Maya desperately sipped and smiled at the crowd around them. “I need to steal my fiance away. Rish also wanted me to let you know that the food is being set up, so please go help yourselves.” Paul made it look so easy. They simply melted in front of him and dispersed immediately, providing more well wishes to them as they went. 
Paul leaned down and placed a kiss to the top of her head as Maya let out a deep sigh. 
“How are you holding up, baby?” he asked her softly, his comforting firm grip on her hip soothed her anxiety. Maya took another swig from her glass, nearly draining it before answering. 
“Just…tired,” she finally said. “Why did I agree to this again?” Maya glanced around the room before looking up and up at Paul. He smiled warmly down at her. 
“Because your mother would have hunted you down anyway and this at least gets us off the hook for attending the harvest bonfire,” he reminded her. Maya nodded and rested her forehead against his chest as she groaned softly. Only a couple more hours and they could go home. “Come on, let’s get you something to eat,” he rubbed her back gently and started to steer her toward the dining room where a massive spread of food had been deposited. 
But before they could reach it, the door opened to cheers and exclamations. Maya looked over her shoulder and her eyes widened as she watched Becks waddle through the front door, followed closely by Jacob, holding their son in one arm. 
“Becks!” Maya called out incredulously as she pulled out of Paul’s arms and hurried over to her heavily, painfully pregnant best friend. Becks turned and smiled, one hand on her lower back and one on her extended belly that sat low in front of her. “What are you doing here? I thought you were on bed rest.” 
“Yeah, me too,” Jacob said with an exasperated sigh. Becks rolled her eyes at him and shook her head. 
“This baby will not come out, so I needed to get out. Plus, you’re here. My good luck baby labor charm,” she leaned in and Maya tried to hug her around her giant belly. 
“Jeez, are you sure you’re okay? This…does not look comfortable,” Maya said as she looked over her best friend. 
“Oh, it's not. I’m…miserable,” and she looked it. Dark bags hung under her eyes from restless sleep and every part of her looked swollen. “I just couldn’t stay in bed another minute and the midwife said walking might help spur on labor.” 
“Walking in small doses,” Jacob reminded her as he bounced Ephi gently. It was always such a funny sight to Maya to see these giant, towering, strong men handle a baby with such gentleness and care. 
“Are you hungry?” Maya asked, already knowing the answer. Becks shook her head quickly and blew a breath out as if she was already going into labor. 
“No, we’ll just hang around for a bit, I think my parents are here anyway,” Becks motioned toward the double doors that led onto the back deck. 
“Okay, well let me know if you need anything,” Maya rubbed one of Becks’ arms and gave her a sympathetic smile. As they wandered off, Maya turned and saw Paul approaching with a plate in his hand. He handed her a fork and she started to take quick bites as they huddled together. 
“No baby yet?” Paul asked. 
“Mmm mm,” Maya mumbled around a mouthful of sweet potato. She loaded her fork with more food and held it up to Paul as he gratefully took a bite. People were whispering off to the side about how cute they were. It took everything in Maya not to roll her eyes at them. 
She didn’t mind these types of things, it was just being on display that irked her. Maya had never felt more like a trophy than at this very moment. Her mother was drinking all of the attention in and talking about wedding colors and themes that Maya hadn’t even started to consider. 
“How much longer do we have to stay again?” Maya asked, swallowing another sigh. 
“We’ll sneak out in about an hour. I think you’ve done enough parading and after dinner, people will start drinking and not even notice we’re gone,” he reassured her. That was a saving grace at least. She could last another hour. 
“Maya!” another gaggle of aunts called out across the room as they strode toward the happy couple. 
“Just smile, I’ll handle the questions,” he leaned down and kissed the side of her neck before neatly tucking Maya into his side again and taking on the approaching vultures. 
----------------------
The never ending list of things to do before Maya was due back in New York was making her head spin. With only three days left of her break, Paul had to unexpectedly take a trip to Seattle to consult with some huge new clients from overseas. However, he was going to fly out to the New York next week and stay with her for a bit so they could detox from the wedding frenzy that had taken over La Push and nearly ruined her fall break. 
Maya checked her messages as she left the Quileute clinic after getting her IUD removed. She already had another appointment scheduled for when she got back to New York for a new one before Paul arrived. Keye had texted her about meeting up for lunch with her and Sadie. 
Maya smiled down at her phone. Things hadn’t gone over too well after Keye had talked to Colin, but things were mostly smoothed over at this point. She hadn’t told him about the abortion, but she apologized for leaving him in the lurch and not talking to him sooner about ghosting him. 
Just as she was typing a reply to confirm their plans to meet for lunch, her mother’s face popped up on an incoming call. Maya threw her head back and groaned. She hadn’t gotten a moment of reprieve since the engagement party from neverending wedding planning from her mother. 
She considered ignoring the call for a moment before begrudgingly answering. 
“Yes, mom?” 
“Oh honey! I’m so glad I caught you. I was wondering which you liked better: Azaleas or hydrangeas?” Rish was talking a mile a minute and Maya could here the honking of cars in the background.
“Why?” Maya tried to hide her annoyance, but failed spectacularly. 
“For flowers, for your bridesmaid’s bouquets!” Rish exclaimed impatiently as if they had  had this conversation a million times already. They hadn’t. 
“Mom, I don’t even know what colors I’m doing for the wedding yet, we can’t pick flowers until I decide on colors,” she crossed the parking lot to her car. 
“I thought we said we were doing shades of pinks and greens?” 
“Nope,” Maya said in a clipped tone. 
“Well, these are perfect for spring and I think that would complement those colors so nicely anyway. I’ll bring back sample bouquets and we can look at them together,” Rish carried on. 
“Mom, I’m leaving in like 48 hours, I don’t have time to look at bouquets. I’ve got like three interviews to prep for and I’m organizing the food train for Becks before I leave. Where are you, anyway?” Maya started the car. 
“Pikes Place Market. Your father and I popped over for a couple of days to do some scouting for wedding ideas. Oh! Isn’t Paul in Seattle? Maybe I can meet up with him and go over—” 
“No! Mom, please don’t bother him. He’s in really important client meeting with some international bigwigs. Do not bother him with this.” Maya’s tone was firm. 
She really needed to set some boundaries with her mom regarding the whole wedding planning thing. She hadn’t even been engaged a week and already her mother had booked four different appointments to shop for wedding dresses in New York next month. 
“Mom, I gotta go,” if she didn’t get off the phone now, she may never escape. 
“Fine, fine, but call me later!” 
“Will do!” Maya lied. She quickly ended the call and tossed her phone into the center console with a little too much force. 
----------------------------------------------
It was early the next morning around 3 a.m. when Maya’s phone rang suddenly on the nightstand. She had made it a habit while she was home to sleep with the ringer on loud in case anyone called about Becks. 
When she answered groggily, Jacob’s voice snapped her awake. 
“She’s in labor. She’s asking for you,” Jacob said quickly. 
“I’m on my way,” Maya was already throwing off the covers and slipping into some sweatpants as she hung up. She shot a quick text to Paul to let him know when he woke up that morning and ran down to the Jeep. 
The rez was peaceful at night. As Maya coasted down the rain slicked roads toward Becks and Jacob’s she couldn’t help but relish in the cool and quiet that settled over her home. She did miss it. And she knew she always would. 
In no time, Maya had pulled and parked into the already crowded driveway at Jacob’s. As she jogged toward the front door, she could already see people milling about inside, prepping food, cleaning, and taking care of things in anticipation for the new baby. When she pushed in, everyone was keeping their voices low and Quil looked over at her, his eyes lighting up with delight: 
“She’s upstairs, Jacob said to send you up when you got here.”
Maya nodded and smiled with excitement as she took the stairs two at a time. The scene within Jacob and Becks’ bedroom was as calm as a quieted chaos could be. The lights were dimmed and gave off a warm amber glow. 
Becks was propped up in a custom canvas pool that sat in the cleared space in front of their bed. She was naked, with a small towel draped across her breasts with Jacob wedged in behind her, stroking her arms. Maya couldn’t hear what he said, but he was calmly talking in a low, honeyed voice into Becks’ ear. Her eyes were tightly closed as she breathed her way through another contraction. Maya could see the vice grip she held on Jacob’s biceps and low groans and whimpers escaped her. 
The warm water sloshed gently around her as she wiggled to try and find a comfortable seat through her contraction and the midwife and her assistants gathered around her, warming the water with fresh pours and prepping towels and tools nearby to assist with delivery. 
It was beautiful and terrifying. Maya’s eyes widened in wonder as she crossed the room quietly and sank next to the pool up by Becks’ shoulders. 
“Maya’s here,” she heard Jacob rumble softly in Becks’ ear. The contraction had passed and Becks was slumped tiredly against Jacob, sweat beading on her forehead. She turned her head across Jacob’s chest and opened her eyes blearily as a smile cracked across her face. 
“Maya,” she breathed. Maya returned that radiant smile as tears brimmed her eyes. Becks looked so beautiful and so incredibly strong. Her towel covered chest rose and fell as she took deep, calming breaths. She reached out for Maya’s hand and grasped it immediately. 
“Hey babe, how are you doing?” Maya said just as softly as Jacob had, trying to mirror the calming atmosphere everyone was working so hard to keep for her. 
“He’s…he’s coming,” Becks said. Her eyes were glassy, but filled with sheer happiness even though Maya knew she was in excruciating pain. Quileute women traditionally delivered naturally, unless there was some exceeding circumstance or planned c-section. This time, Becks had wanted to do it all exactly right as everyone of her mother, grandmothers, and great grandmothers before her. 
Jacob helped prop Becks up a little higher on his chest as he rubbed along the sides of her belly. The midwife smiled warmly at Maya and checked Becks’ progress. 
“You’re almost there, honey,” the midwife confirmed, “Time to push very soon, okay? Just keep listening to your body and let him come on his own. You’re doing great.” Maya had to hand it to her, she was very convincing. 
Maya knew that in time when she and Paul had kids, if she decided to do it the Quileute way, at home, with her husband behind her, in a water bath, she’d be absolutely terrified. But Becks just looked ready—elated even—to be bringing her second child into the world. It was something she couldn’t even fathom as being a part of her life at this moment, but she was just so happy to be there for Becks again. 
Becks’ breathing picked up again as another contraction rolled through her. She squeezed Maya’s hand and held onto Jacob as a deep sob erupted from her throat. 
“That’s it, there you go, mama,” the midwife coached, “Just like that.” She must have been getting close because Maya watched as a flurry of activity suddenly happened around her. Assistants were preparing, noting times and dates, keeping time, and prepping the towels. The midwife leaned over the side of the water bath and helped the assistants position and hold one of each of Becks’ legs firmly in their arms, anchoring her into a birthing position. 
Again, a fresh wave of terror washed over Maya as she held tightly to Becks who just seemed to know exactly what to do. Jacob was methodically counting out breaths for Becks as she arched and groaned through the last intense contraction. 
“Alright, Becks, ready?” the midwife confirmed from her place below. Becks nodded quickly, “Dad, ready?” Jacob braced Becks and nodded swiftly, his eyes never leaving the side of his wife’s face. “Next contraction, I want you to start pushing,” the midwife stated. 
Maya hadn’t realized her own breathing had picked up as her eyes darted from Becks’ face to the midwife between her thighs watching carefully for signs. The next contraction began quickly. 
“There you go! Push mama! Bear down against them,” she instructed. Becks pushed and nearly screamed as she held on tightly to Jacob and Maya both. 
“Push, baby, push!” Jacob chanted still calm but firm in her ear. Becks’ cheeks were reddening and Jacob urged her to take a breath as the contraction wound down. 
“Good! Good, deep breaths, 1, 2, 3, 4,” the midwife’s hand was nowhere Maya could see. Suddenly the calm and quiet room was just pure energy and it all centered around Becks. The assistants were counting out breaths, their rhythmic voices offering clarity and guidance through the controlled chaos, “Again!” the midwife said louder. “Push, Becks!” 
“Push, push,” Jacob began again. Maya mirrored him, chanting softly as Becks’ wailed through another contraction, her face contorting in pain, mouth wide open as stuttering groans broke free of her throat. 
“Fuck,” Maya said under her breath. This was unlike anything she had ever witnessed. Even before, when she had been there for the birth of Ephriam, Carlisle had made it seem like no time had passed at all before he was placing the newborn on Becks. But this…this was something else. It was a moment in time, meant to be experienced and meant to be something bigger and more symbolic than just the birth of a child, but rather the persistence of their tribe to simply exist in the face of seemingly unending pain. 
Maya watched as Becks pushed through contraction after contraction, slowly delivering her second son into the world. And all she saw was strength. 
On the final push, Becks let out an otherworldly scream as he slid the rest of the way out and into the waiting water below. A new burst of activity began around them. The assistant’s lowered her legs and removed the warm wet towel covering her heaving breasts. Maya’s eyes were clouded with tears, as were Jacob’s as the midwife quickly pulled their baby from the water. He let out a guttering, wet cry and Becks, exhausted and sweating, broke into a smile and laughed so bright Maya thought her heart would split in two with joy. 
The midwife quickly placed the wailing baby on Becks’ waiting chest, nestling him between her breasts. Jacob’s large hand came up to cover their baby’s back as he kissed the side of Becks’ face over and over, whispering in her ear things Maya couldn’t and didn’t need to hear. It was pure love, this picture before her. 
Becks was crying softly as she held her newborn son, her head pressed into the crook of Jacob’s neck. Maya stood slowly and took a step back from the pool, her heart beating wildly in her chest as she took in the scene before her. Her best friend was overwhelmingly happy and Maya understood this was where Becks was meant to be. 
As she slowly slipped out of the bedroom to leave them to their intimate first moments with their son, she watched as Becks turned her head up toward Jacob’s, her free hand cupping his cheek as he looked down adoringly at her. He kissed her slowly and Maya shut the door behind her, the tears still falling freshly down her cheeks as she disappeared into the dark hallway. 
Maya covered her mouth and cried softly. She felt a buzzing throughout her whole body that she could only imagine was happiness. 
“My?” A soft voice floated from the top of the stairs. Maya whirled around, her hand dropping to her chest as she gasped. Paul’s darkened figure stood just a step below the landing and he watched her carefully, his eyes shifting to something darker as they laid upon her. 
“Jesus, Paul, you scared me! What are you doing here?!” Maya didn’t even try to hide her tears as she crossed the landing to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and sniffling into his neck. 
He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him before bringing his other hand up to gently wipe the tears off her face and push her loose hair back. 
“I got your message that Becks was in labor and caught a red eye,” he said in a low whisper. The sound struck a warm thrum deep in her belly and she swallowed thickly. His eyes looked over her face slowly, taking in every piece of her, memorizing her emotions. “What’s wrong?” 
Maya shook her head slowly and closed her eyes for a moment. “Nothing, really. It was just intense and she’s just so happy…It makes me happy that she’s happy,” she felt like she wasn’t making much sense but Paul nodded as a crooked smile broke across his face as if he understood. 
“I know, baby,” he whispered, leaning down to kiss her slowly. Maya sucked in a deep breath of him as their lips connected, relishing in that soft earth and spice scent. She leaned her body into his and felt that warmth spread throughout her belly. Paul’s hands gripped her hips tightly and she felt a rush of euphoria sweep through. She was so very warm that Paul’s hands felt almost cold. When they broke their kiss after a few moments, Maya was nearly panting. She stepped back to get a grip and wipe her eyes again. Paul kept his grip on her waist and when she finally let her eyes adjust and settle on him, he looked intense. 
The sharp, strong curve of his jaw was softened by his trimmed beard, and Maya reached up absently to stroke her hand across it. Lightning prickled on her fingertips as she did and she watched Paul wet his lips in response. 
“We should go home,” his voice was a deep rumble in her chest. When her eyes darted away from his mouth to connect with his, she saw fire. She tried to stifle a small gasp, but it slipped from her throat. Paul’s grip tightened further and pulled her closer as if on instinct. 
Maya shook her head to try and clear it. Her heart beat wildly in her chest and she closed her eyes for a moment before she stuttered out, “N-no, I need to start breakfast and m-make sure everyone is on assignment.” 
When she opened her eyes to carefully look at him again, she knew she was done for. “Kim’s got it under control. Let’s go home,” the command was subtle and he tugged her near him as they descended the stairs together. Maya made quick and quiet goodbyes, waving to the sleepy group of people milling about doing chores and small tasks in the early hours as dawn broke. Paul guided her out into the cool air, never letting them stop as they walked swiftly toward her Jeep. 
The cool air felt like a wash of sleet melting on her skin. Maya let Paul deposit her into the passenger side of the Jeep and only when he snapped the door shut behind her did she notice that she was breathing too quickly as if she had just run a marathon. She focused on breathing through her nose and out through her mouth, trying to quietly calm herself as Paul steered them expertly through the dark toward home. But her heartbeat barely slowed. When she stole a glance toward Paul, she saw the muscle in his jaw tick and the whites of his knuckles as he gripped the steering wheel. But he didn’t seem mad…just anxious to get home.
Finally, once they pulled into the driveway, Maya started to feel a little more settled. The warmth of the house inside was a blur as Paul pulled Maya upstairs toward the bathroom and quickly turned on the shower. Everything felt hazy, as if the adrenaline was coating her brain in a strange fog. 
“P-Paul?” she barely whispered as she turned to face him. He was gently pulling off her shirt and sweats. Maya could feel his hands shaking as he undressed her. “Are you okay?” 
“I’m trying very hard to be gentle, but I just feel like ripping your clothes off,” he said through  gritted teeth. Maya shook her head sleepily, standing in just panties as she said, 
“Just rip them, who cares.” Paul didn’t hesitate upon her permission to rip the cotton easily from her body. She sighed in exaltation and stood naked before him as he quickly shed his clothes and backed her into the shower. 
The water felt barely warm against her hot skin, but she stayed put beneath it as Paul brought his mouth down to hers, stroking her body lovingly beneath the water. Everything was quiet, except for their panting breaths as he quickly scrubbed her down with soap and reverently rinsed her. She felt the thick heated length of him resting against her stomach and swallowed as her mouth watered. 
Just as quickly as he had placed them in the shower, she felt him guiding her out, toweling her down softly and moving her to the bed, his hands roaming around her body, touching every part of her, his lips moving across her shoulders and neck. 
Maya collapsed on the bed, writhing gently against the sheets. Every stretch of her body felt delicious and the soft sheets felt like a warm caress against her skin. Paul’s hands settled on her thighs and the heat of his touch felt normal. For once, they felt like they were the same temperature. 
His lips started to kiss the inside of her thigh, quickly gliding up to her center before he took a deep breath of her and dove in. The groan that emanated from him made her shudder. Maya’s cheeks reddened. She was already soaked, but every swipe of his tongue between her legs was like a bolt of lightning up her spine. 
Maya could vaguely hear herself beg—his name, pleadings, promises, needs. But she was still lost in that heady haze. She felt him rise up above her and then the taste of her bloomed on her lips as he kissed her. There was urgency in his touch, but when she gripped his biceps, he slowed as if remembering himself. 
Nothing had ever felt like this. Maya felt as Paul gently pressed against her opening, but he waited, pulling back from their kiss to look down at her. 
“Ready?” his voice came out husky and deep. Maya exhaled, her eyes hooded as she breathed a quick: “Yes, yes please.” 
He slid all the way home and Maya’s back arched off the bed as she let out a startled yelp. He felt…much, much bigger. Was he always this big? The stretch was overwhelming and even with how wet she was, she felt every inch of him within her. Paul let out a low moan into her ear and paused, trying to catch his breath. 
“Paul, ah, fuck!” Maya gasped between small whines. Each time she moved, seemingly involuntarily against him, she felt a snap of pain and then aching relief within her. 
“My, fuck, I know baby, just—you feel so,” he let out a laugh against her throat. He was shaking all over. Maya whined and rotated her hips ever so slightly and felt him cinch tighter inside her. 
“How are you—,” another gasp of air, “This big? It feels—” 
“Amazing,” he leaned up to look down at her, trying a tentative push against her, “You feel amazing, baby.” 
She had to admit, besides the slightly uncomfortable stretch at her opening where he seemed to bulge larger than before, he did feel incredible inside of her. Sweat beaded on her forehead, her nipples tight peaks that rose and fell, grazing against his chest with every breath. 
“Let me just..” he groaned again as he shifted inside of her and Maya swallowed hard. He brought one of her knees up and stretched her open more. Her back automatically bowed off of the bed and Paul’s eyes coasted down the length of her in awe. 
His hands gripped around her ribcage as he leaned back and started to press slowly in and out of her. Maya was lost, her head was swimming, and she felt like she was on fire. Every stroke felt like she would split in two but each time he withdrew it was like a new ache bloomed in her, waiting to be filled. 
She watched him above her, his eyes transfixed on her naked body, heated and hungry, and something within her just snapped. Her whole body shook and his mouth fell open as he watched her come undone quickly. There was nothing like this. She didn’t know how it felt this way, but she never wanted it to end. 
As soon as her orgasm rinsed through her, Paul still pushing slowly into her, she gasped, her eyes widening as realization rocketed through her. “Fuck! Stop, stop!” 
“Wh-what?! What’s wrong?” He was over her in a second, his hand coming to cup her cheeks as she pushed against his chest roughly, “My, what is it?” 
“Condom! We need a fucking condom, fuck!” He was still inside of her and Maya couldn’t help but arch her hips into him with a whimper. 
“Why? My, we talked about this, it’s just superstition,” he pleaded in between heavy pants. She could tell it was killing him not to move. His eyes were wild as he clenched his jaw. 
“No, I don’t have any…Fuck! I got my IUD taken out,” she was frantic now. Paul stilled, his eyes wide. 
“What?” his voice was low, that same gravelly, heated tone coating his words. “You’re not—” 
“I didn’t know you were going to be back and I had an appointment to get a new one put in in New York before you were supposed to meet me out there,” she was still pushing slightly against his chest, but his eyes had a far away look to them, his mouth hung open, and he was still inside her. “PAUL!” 
“Fuck! Okay, hold on,” he looked down between them and gently tried to pull out of her. He was wedged so tightly inside of her, Maya threw her head back and screamed at the sensation. It was neither painful, nor pleasurable, but just left a harsh aching behind that had her pulse ratcheting up. When he finally pulled all the way out, Maya sucked in a breath and looked between them. 
“Did you come?” she was shaking from the adrenaline, from the ache, she didn’t know. He shook his head still looking down at her before replying. 
“No, not yet.” 
“Okay, okay. Good,” Maya breathed, falling back onto the pillows. She was thoroughly wound up now and tried to wipe the sweat off of her forehead. “Just, grab a condom and we can keep going,” she nearly begged. He moved soundlessly to the nightstand, methodical and quick. 
By the time Maya had leaned up on her elbows to look at him, she saw both her body and his were covered in a thin sheen of sweat. He rolled the condom tightly onto his shaft, wincing as he did. 
“Ready?” she said in a whisper. He looked up at her, but his face was unreadable. He was still panting, but he nodded. 
“Turn over,” he didn’t give her a moment to comprehend his request before grabbing one of her knees and flipping her onto her belly, “Ass up,” he directed, pulling her hips up. Maya’s heart thumped wildly as she felt him rub his now covered tip against her opening and slid back in. It was just as tight as the first time but Maya rocked through the discomfort. Paul was a man possessed behind her, pulling her hips tightly back onto his as he thrust into her. 
She was quickly coming apart again beneath him and this time, she closed her eyes, biting down against the pillow as he hammered home inside of her. Stars popped behind her eyelids and she heard a deafening moan around her. She wasn’t sure if it was her or Paul. Maybe it was both of them, but whatever it was, she could feel him tightening again inside of her. As her body contracted and flooded with warmth, his thrusts began to stutter and suddenly he was unable to move at all inside of her. 
He leaned over her back, panting and dripping sweat, “Don’t..Don’t move,” he pleaded. She could feel him twitch inside of her. The feeling of it was euphoric. Every breath she pulled in tightened her belly and made her acutely aware of every inch of him, making her shudder and ripple with pleasure. 
Maya thought she might actually pass out with how much she was feeling all at once. She was both too hot and pleasantly burning. A matchstick, set alight. Maya moved ever so slightly, curving her hips away from him and froze when he let out a pained moan. She looked over her shoulder at him and he placed his hand on her lower back. 
“Stay still, baby. Just for a minute…let me just…” he was absently kissing and nibbling on her shoulder to placate her. 
“Are you okay?” Maya said, breathlessly. Paul let out a soft huff of air that almost sounded like a laugh. 
“Yeah, honey, I just… need to calm down a bit,” his other hand found her hip and he squeezed tightly. “You were so good for me, My.” He chuckled a bit as if just as taken aback as she was by their shared euphoria. 
Maya glowed at the praise but couldn’t help from wiggling at the sensation of him between her thighs. After a few moments, Paul eased out of her slowly as Maya collapsed completely on the bed. She turned over to stare up at him as he sat back on his knees, head lifted to the ceiling, as sweat poured off of him. She’d never seen him so…undone. 
Her eyes sparkled with delight and she couldn’t help but smile mischievously up at him. He took a few more breaths before lowering his head to gaze down at her and laughed again. 
“What?” he smiled that warm, signature smile of his and it made butterflies burst in her belly. 
“Nothing, you’re just…sort of beautiful, is all,” she replied softly. He nodded as if he hadn’t expected her to say anything else and got up with a groan, padding over to the bathroom. 
Maya propped herself up on the covers and waited until he came back with a warm washcloth. He gently cleaned between her legs and wiped himself off before collapsing on the bed next to her. Maya snuggled into the crook of his arm and in no time, they had both drifted off to sleep, their equal warmth radiating off one another. 
--------------------------------------------------
“I don’t think I’m going to make it this weekend either. The shipment just came in and it’s looking rough,” Maya could hear the crackle of disappointment in Paul’s voice as she hurried across campus. The biting cold made her nose run and hard pellets of snow pelted her forehead. Maya heard a distinct crashing sound on the line and couldn’t help but wince as an onslaught of expletives spilled from Paul’s mouth. 
“It’s okay. I’m just getting over this stupid cold anyway and I really need to meet with my thesis advisor this week to start getting plugged into my lab options,” Maya blew out a huff of air, walking through the quickly dispersing fog of it. She fished a tissue out of her pocket that Rosalie had kept stashed there for her and wiped her constant running nose. 
At least she was starting to feel better. Her labs had a wicked cold run through all the students and Maya was seemingly the last to recover. Everyone had been coughing and hacking for what felt like weeks. She felt like she was through the worst of it though and with her newfound surge of energy, she really wanted to dig into prep for her thesis. The spring semester always flew by and before she knew it, she would be in her final year as an undergrad at Columbia. The thought made her head spin. 
“My, it’s New Years. Shouldn’t you be enjoying yourself?” Paul reasserted. Maya pulled open the heavy door to the main library and relished at the warmth washing over her. 
She’d barely taken a break even over Christmas. Paul had planned to come see her for her Christmas break, but Jacob had held him back, citing some weird disappearance up North that he had to check in with the Cullens about in Alaska. So, Paul had stayed behind for the pack. 
Despite Paul’s effusive apologizing, it hadn’t bothered Maya at all. She and Rosalie and Emmett had spent a great weekend together. Truth be told, it was the most sleep Maya had gotten since she’d flown back after fall break. But still Paul had felt guilty for not coming sooner like he’d promised, despite Maya’s placating. 
“I enjoyed myself last week,” Maya breathed a sigh of relief as she unwound her scarf. Her lab was quiet during the weekends. “It’s fine, babe. Just come whenever the work stuff blows over, I’ll be here.” Maya reassured him. He sounded stressed and she just wanted to see him, but piling on him more wasn’t what he needed right now. “Did Jake make it back okay?”
“Yeah,” there was a long pause as Paul blew out breath and Maya unpacked her bag slowly. 
“And?” she prompted. 
“And,” Paul sounded distracted, “And I might have to go with him next time.” 
“Next time?” That piqued Maya’s curiosity. 
“Yeah, there’s apparently more going on up there than we thought. I’m not really sure on all the details but—Fuck! My, baby, I gotta go,” a flurry of voices sounded in the background, along with some very angry beeping. 
“Okay! Good luck,” she called out. 
“You too,” he managed before the line disconnected. Maya let out a sigh and stared down at her lab notebook. She wasn’t disappointed that he wasn’t going to make it out here for new years, but she had hoped they’d see each other sooner rather than later. 
At least there was still the work ahead of her. 
Maya sat on the lab stool, blew her nose for the millionth time, and dug into her work. 
---------------------------------------------
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?” Rosalie asked from behind Maya as she fluffed her perfectly curled blonde hair. Maya sighed and shook her head, adjusting her corset top with  Renaissance themed artwork painted across it. She had found it in the Village earlier that week on a rare shopping outing that Rosalie had insisted on. 
“I’m sure. I’m meeting everyone at Giordi’s in like half an hour,” Maya insisted. Her nose was only slightly red from the last little bit of her cold, but honestly it weirdly brightened her face. 
“Okay, well call me or Emmett if you’re over it and want a rescue,” Rosalie insisted. Maya nodded as she dusted her makeup brush across her bronzer and blended along the contours of her face. 
“I will, now go have fun!” Rosalie burst with a smile at that, so incredibly lovely and eerily glowing. Maya was never put off by their strange beauty, but more so fascinated by it. Like a scientist wanting to observe and study a new culture. Rosalie floated out of the room gracefully, her golden shift dress sparkling as she went. 
 Maya took a last sip of water, donned her heavy Gucci black puffer coat and zipped up the sides of her leather heeled boots. She promised herself she’d stay for at least a few hours, just until midnight, and then she could come home and crawl into bed. While her cold had dissipated, the stress of her thesis and subtly avoiding Arden had tanked her energy. 
She was exhausted, and the stress of it all wasn’t lending herself to sleeping well. She tossed and turned most nights and when she woke up, Maya would often text or even call Paul. It was like an impulse and just hearing his voice or seeing him type out a reply was like a salve to her anxiety. 
The walk to Giordi’s was only about six blocks, but Maya caught a cab anyway, using the excuse of her heeled leather boots to sink warmly into the backseat and nearly float away from the already persistent tiredness. 
The ride was short and as Maya spilled out of the cab, she watched as eager partygoers poured into the restaurant. There was a hidden club downstairs that flaunted an impressive amount of a space for how unassuming the little restaurant was. Maya made her way in with the crowd, scanning for her friends and cohort. 
It didn’t take long once she got downstairs to find them huddled around one side of the elongated bar. She bounced over and smiled, ready to put as much energy forward as she could muster and determined to have a good time. 
They all cheered in unison when they saw her and Jamie, her energetic lab partner pulled her into a side hug before handing her a shot of something. Maya took a whiff and nearly gagged. 
“This smells like lighter fluid, what is it?” she grimaced. Jamie and a few of the others laughed before knocking back their own shots. 
“It’s just vodka,” Jamie reassured her as she threw back her own shot, sans chaser. Maya felt like gagging but choked back the shot, feeling her stomach roil painfully. Not a good idea. 
“UGH!” she groaned, shaking her head. 
“Come on!” Toby, a boy in her cohort beckoned, “You gotta catch up, we’ve been here for at least an hour.” Maya shook her head aggressively and leaned on the bar to order a water. 
“No chance,” she called over her shoulder to them. They already looked pretty drunk, or on their way to being so, but Maya didn’t have any interest in getting hammered tonight. She was hoping to get up a little early tomorrow to get her outline finished and over to her thesis advisor. 
Have fun. Relax. That little voice inside of her head begged at her. Funny how it almost sounded like Pauls’ voice. She would have fun, just maybe not the drunken, disorderly fun they were all expecting on new years eve. 
Maya stayed close to her friends, sipping a diet coke she had lied and told them was spiked. They were all having a great time, and even she had to admit, she was having fun, even if she wasn’t dancing wildly in the pounding club like her friends. Instead, she stayed tucked into the bar, swaying her hips to the music and watching out as people cheered and bobbed to the crescendoing music. 
Maya glanced up at the giant digital clock suspended over the dance floor to denote the countdown to midnight. Only an hour left and she could sneak away. Her bed sounded amazing right now. As she turned to order a refill, she felt a warm presence sidle up behind her and before she could turn, a warm voice said in her ear: “Hey you.” 
Maya whipped around and looked up to see: “Noah!” she cried out. He laughed, his sweet, familiar face beaming down at her. She crashed into him in a tight hug that he joyfully returned. 
“What’s up, My-pie?!” he crooned. 
“When did you get back?!” He had been gone for the entire semester, studying at a sister college in the UK for his thesis and working closely with a think tank to develop some really exciting research about clean energy. 
“About an hour ago,” he looked down at his watch and laughed, “What are you drinking?” he nodded to the diet coke that the bartender slid back toward Maya. 
“Oh, uh, rum and coke?” she offered the lie easily and he nodded. The bartender asked what he wanted and he ordered a whiskey, neat. Maya arched an eyebrow. 
“Yeah, I’m not really looking to get hammered either,” he said genially as he leaned against the bar. Maya sagged with relief and smiled. “Jet lag,” he offered as an excuse. Maya nodded seriously and then broke out into a smile. Noah was here. 
They had barely seen each other since the summer and she really had missed him. They fell into easy conversation as well as they could around the pulsating music for a bit. Her crowd of friends barrelled back over once they saw Noah and demanded another round of shots. Maya insisted she had to use the bathroom and snuck off in search of it. 
“Hurry back!” Noah pleaded as he nodded toward the impending clock. Only fifteen minutes until midnight. The bar was being overrun with people trying to order a fresh drink before the new year. 
Maya weaved through the crowd and thankfully found the nearly empty bathroom. She quickly peed and took some deep breaths to try and quell her stomach that still hadn’t stopped panging angrily since that initial shot. In the stall next to her, someone heaved and threw up into the toilet. Maya tried to breathe through her mouth so as to avoid the smell of vomit sneaking under the stall, but it was no use. It hit her like a bus and before she knew it, she was arched over the toilet, spilling the contents of her stomach into the dirty toilet below. 
What the fuck was she doing here? Maya wiped the beading sweat away from her forehead and tried to gulp down some air before she threw up once more. With shaking hands she lifted herself up and staggered out to the sink. Now that the rogue shot was cleared from her stomach, she felt better, but was still shaking slightly with adrenaline. Her phone buzzed in her bag and Maya ignored it. 
Instead, she thoroughly rinsed her mouth out and popped a breath mint before braving the crowded club again. She was just going to tell Noah she was going to catch a cab home. It wasn’t worth it and she desperately wanted to be in her bed at this moment. 
If she was being honest with herself though, she desperately wished Paul was here. It wasn’t like the aching absence that the imprint had thrust upon her before—no that hadn’t happened since before fall break. Instead, it was just a present longing that threatened to make Maya tear up. The door to the bathroom swung open and a girl stumbled in, bracing herself on the sink next to Maya. 
Maya took another moment to wipe the sweat from her forehead and dampen the back of her neck with some cold water before she turned to leave, but the girl stopped her. 
“Hey! Oh, fuck,” the girl winced slightly and looked at Maya, her eyes not quite focusing on her. “Do you have a tampon?” 
“Oh!” Maya exclaimed as she started to dig in her purse, “Yeah, one sec,” as she rummaged in her purse, a pit fell to the bottom of her stomach. She grabbed the tampon from her full supply in her bag and handed it to the girl who slurred her thanks and trudged off toward an open stall. 
Maya stared vacantly at the door to the bathroom, trying to slow her breathing. The muffled sounds of the club beat just beyond the door and she wanted to go home. Now. 
As she made her way across the crowded dance floor to cheers and cries as the final few minutes to midnight began, she spotted Noah among a clump of her friends just off to the side of the dance floor. He caught her eye and waved frantically at her. Maya tried to keep her shoulders back and her mind clear so as not to give away any unnecessary worry on her face. 
“My! You almost missed it!” Noah cried out as he pointed to the clock overhead. The final minute until midnight began and people began cheering as the DJ lowered the music so people could countdown at the ten second mark. 
“Sorry, I just…I think I’m actually going to head home,” Maya yelled over the loud crowd chattering and hollering around her. 
“What?!” Noah shouted back as he leaned down to hear her better. 
“I think I’m gonna head home!” she repeated in his ear. Noah leaned up and looked at her face, opening his mouth as if to protest and then he looked behind her, his face cracking into a friendly smile. 
“TEN, NINE, EIGHT, SEVEN, SIX!” Maya’s eyes widened as she looked at Noah in confusion and then she heard a warm, deep voice in her ear. 
“There you are.” 
Maya whirled around and her heart nearly stuttered to a full stop as her mouth hung open in genuine surprise. 
“FOUR, THREE, TWO,” the crowd continued. 
“Paul!” Maya gasped as she automatically fell into his arms. 
“HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!” the crowd shouted in unison. 
Paul leaned down slowly, his arms wrapped warmly around her as his hands snaked her waists. He kissed her gently and Maya stood on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms up around his neck as she pressed more firmly into the kiss. All around them, people were kissing and cheering as sparkling confetti fluttered down from the ceiling and was caught glimmering in the lights of the club. When they finally pulled apart, Paul’s eyes were hooded with deep adoration. Maya couldn’t stop the tears from welling in her eyes now as the longing she felt just moments ago rapidly dissolved, replacing it with an overwhelming joy. 
“Happy new year, Maya,” he said warmly. 
“Happy new year,” she smiled, “You’re here.” 
“I am,” he said, swaying her gently from side to side as Auld Lang Syne played softly from the speakers and people sang along. “I figured, since I’d already missed a couple of our dates, I wasn’t going to be late to this one.” 
Late. Late. Late. Late. 
Maya’s heartbeat sped up and she smiled shakily. “I’m just glad you’re here now,” she shook her head and pressed her body more firmly against his. 
“Wouldn’t miss it,” he leaned down to kiss her forehead, turning her gently to the music, “I love you.” 
Maya closed her eyes and leaned her head against his chest, “I love you too.” 
Next > >
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jupiterwrites99 · 1 year
Text
You're On Your Own, Kid
twelve
It had been three weeks since the mouse fiasco, Sage and Paul have made it a habit to sleep in her little bed together, as precautions for any loud noise that may set her off after 4th of July fireworks had set her off completely. Paul had found her hiding under her blankets to try and evade the noise. At this point, Sage didn’t think her hearing would get less sensitive. Leah's brother Seth, also had better hearing than the rest of the pack and agreed the fireworks were less than pleasant to listen to. 
Over the three weeks, Sam had begun teaching her how to control her phasing and while she picked it up quickly, she felt less in control of her wolf. It was almost like she was teasing her everytime she phased and then returned to her human state, which the wolf did not like.
After a lesson with Sam, she had wandered off into the woods in her wolf form, running freely through the thick greenery. She could smell Paul's scent nearby and followed it until it led her to him.
Sage watched from the treeline,as Paul's truck pulled up next to the familiar car she knew to be Rachels. She assumed they were at her house, considering she had never seen the little red cottage before. Confusion struck her as she watched the two of them exit their respective cars. Rachel was quick to get to Paul, wrapping him up in a hug that he was hesitant to return.
Good, she thought.
She didn’t mean to eavesdrop, or seemingly spy on them. But she was a curious person, and Paul had told her he had work today. Rachels car seemed fine to her.
Sage was too far to hear the nature of their conversation, though Rachels dramatics were not hard to decipher. She was upset, clearly. 
That didn’t bug her, no, what bugged Sage was the way Paul was comforting his old flame. It made it look like things hadn’t really fizzled out between them like she thought they had when she walked in on them arguing. 
He said he had dealt with Rachel, and maybe, Sage was the fool for thinking that meant things were over.
The familiar feeling of anger sat in the pit of her stomach as she tore her eyes away. They were too close, too touchy, Sage thought.
She watched as he wiped the tears from the raven haired girl's face, and that was the final straw. Everything about the way he acted with Rachel was familiar, it stung to know that he was out comforting her in a manner she thought was reserved for herself. His mate.
Her wolf was getting harder to control the more she felt betrayed, which seemed to be by everyone she found herself giviing her full trust too. Sage knew she couldn’t hit Rachel, the obvious strength difference was an unfair match, but also, she didn’t want to disappoint Paul again. Even if he was disappointing her.
She watched as Jacob left the house ignoring Paul and Rachel as he headed for the treeline. Jacob was Rachel's brother, she connected the two of them. The wind made his familiar scent more noticeable than usual. More so because she was trying to block out the blend of Paul and Rachel, she didn’t like his bourbon and coffee-esque scent being melded with her rose scent. It didn’t blend well.
Sage winced as her wolf started losing it, she tried to ground herself so that she didn’t phase accidentally from adrelaine.
Threat, Threat, Threat, repeated by her wolf over and over again.
Then she realised who the threat was, and Sage knew just how to take out her uncontrollable  anger.
-----
PAUL POV
“It’s mine!” Sage tackled him, knocking both of them to the ground.
Paul pulled her off of Jacob, his arm secured around her waist as she struggled against his hold to reach the wolf scowling at her from the ground. He had just gotten back from a light patrol shift to find her and Jacob arguing, with zero clue of what the issue could be. This was the last thing he wanted to do today. He fully intended on walking into Emily's kitchen, stealing two muffins and whisking Sage away to her bedroom to nap while she fiddled with everything and anything in her room that she had found.
The little kleptomaniac.
Instead he was breaking up a brawl that his imprint had seemingly started.
“Sage, stop it,” He said, readjusting his arms and trying to get the angry girl under control, “Stop.”
Paul heard Sam before he saw him and knew this was about to go down hill, and fast.
“Jacob. Knock it off.” He said threateningly before turning to the girl, “Sage, we don’t fight our pack mates.”
“He took my--” She tried to explain as Jacob stood up from the ground, wiping off the dirt.
“We don’t fight our packmates.” Sam said more forcefully, not letting her explain herself. Paul could see the frustration in her eyes grow tenfold.
“Or what?” She tried to take a step towards Sam but Paul stopped her.
“Let her go, Paul.” He said using his alpha tone. Paul had no choice but to let her go and watch from the sidelines. He didn’t need to be a genius to know that this wasn’t going to be good.
Sam took a step towards the young girl currently shaking in anger, “If you start another fight, you will be punished.”
“Can I have my things back, Jacob?” She asked sharply, ignoring Sam.
“No, I don't--” Sage pulled her fist back before she punched Jacob, hard. Paul heard her fist crack as it connected with Jacobs cheek and while the impact shocked the other wolf, he knew his imprint couldn’t do that much damage to the true born alpha.
“Sage!” Sam yelled in disbelief. Paul reached for her waist but before he could grab her, Sam pulled her upper arm, roughly dragging her to the back side of the house. Paul followed close behind, wanting to make sure she listened to Sam or at least, didn’t take off running again. “You are going to sit here until you are ready to be a part of this pack and follow the rules.This behaviour is disobedient, unpredictable and dangerous.”
“Your rules are stupid.” She challenged him again.
“Sit. Down.” He said forcefully.
“No.” She growled at him.
“Sage,” Sam tried again.
“No!” She yelled at him.
“You’re staying out here until I think you’re ready.” Sam shook his head before looking at Paul, nodding his head towards the back door of the cottage. He knew better than to challenge him. 
“Fuck you,” He had heard her whisper as the two men walked inside. Sage sat down on the grass, her back against a large tree.
“What was that?” Sam asked, turning to look over his shoulder at the smaller wolf. Paul groaned internally. He wasn’t happy that Sam was now provoking her, does he not get that she doesn’t have a pack mentality?
“I said fuck you!” She shouted angrily at Sam. 
My brave girl, Pauls wolf thought smugly.
-----
“Sam, you have to remember, she just spent five years on her own. Jacob crossed a boundary, she reacted and you punished her and not him. Of course she’s going to be upset.” Leah reprimanded after Jacob and Paul explained what had happened. While Jacob said he didn’t know why she was so angry with him, Paul had his doubts. Sage doesn’t just get angry for no reason. Something had to have happened.
“She needs to learn.” Sam reminded all of them.
Paul scoffed, “We’ll be lucky if she doesnt start resource guarding.”
She had a knack for hiding things in her room, while some were little things like rocks or pinecones. He had found her keeping more than one water glass in her room, to which she would always say, just in case. 
He knew what that meant. 
Just in case they locked her door again.
She trusted him, Paul knew that. But he also knew, she was still wary about most of the pack, the only other member she trusted was Leah.
“Paul,” Sam said his name as a warning. As if he knew he was on the verge of getting angry himself.
“Let me talk to her,” He stated, he could reason with her.
“No.” Sam shook his head.
Paul scoffed in annoyance, “She already had reservations about being in our pack, this isn’t going to help.”
“He’s right.” Jacob said from his seat at the table, “She’s been on her own, she’s learned this life on her own. We all had someone looking out for us when we phased. We all had a pack. We can't expect her to just submit without giving her a reason to trust that she’ll be safe with us. ‘Cause let's be honest, she's not here because she wants to be. She's here because of Paul.”
Jacob looked towards Paul specifically, adding, “I’ll talk to her.”
Paul watched from the window as she tried to sweep out his legs with her own, though she failed. He couldn’t hear what Jacob had said to her but when he sat down, she didn’t  attack him like he half expected her to. If he was being honest, Paul was proud of her, she had yet to phase from her anger, which meant she was learning to control her wolf.
Jacob stayed outside for nearly half an hour before he made his way back into the kitchen. An unreadable expression on his face as he sat back down at the table.
“So?” Leah prodded.
Jacob looked to Paul, “You’re not going to like it.”
“Like what?” Paul demanded.
Jacob only shook his head, stating,“We should wait for Sam.”
“Jacob.” The older wolf growled out.
Jacob explained that while he was off with the Cullen family, he would come back to Washington every now and then to check on Charlie Swan as a favour to Bella. He had come across a den, full of belongings and took a bag from it, hoping it would have some clothes in it so he could shift back. It didn’t.
He hadn’t thought about it since. Sage told him that it was her bag, and now she wants it back. It made sense that it was her den, now that Jacob has thought about, but he doesn’t have the bag anymore. 
“I tried to tell her I don’t have it, but she’s beyond caring about what I have to say,” Jacob informed them.
“So you’re telling me she had every fucking reason to hit you,” Paul chuckled in disbelief.
“How was I supposed to know?!” Jacob argued back.
“You know now!” Paul shouted, taking a step towards Jacob.
“Paul, calm down, now.” Sam said, stepping between the two men.
“Let me fucking see her.” He said angrily. That's all he wanted. He wanted to go and make sure Sage was okay because the terrible stabbing pain in his chest, he knew that being out there by herself was taking some kind of toll on her.
“If I let you see her, you don’t go out there and tell her she was right. She needs to learn she can’t just hit people because they’ve done her wrong.” Sam spoke with authority.
“He deserved it.” He muttered. Paul still wasn’t sure what the fight was about, but he knew Sage, it probably was about more than a bag. She doesn’t just hit people for no reason. Sure, she lunged at Rachel, but that was only after the older woman had insulted Leah, someone Sage considers to be her close friend.
“Paul,” Sam shook his head.
“Fine.” Paul conceded.
“Go.” Sam nodded towards the door.
Paul didn’t need to be told twice before he was nearly sprinting out the door. Sage was still in the same spot that Sam and him had left her. Her back leaning up against the tree as she picked at the weeds.  The sun had started to set and with the clouds, it seemed darker than it was but as he closed in on her, the unmistakable frown lines on her face shattered him.
“Hey, little wolf.” He said softly, worried about startling her,  “Remember what I said about lunging at people?”
“You didn’t banish me for it.” Sage bit back. He was shocked by her tone, never having heard her speak with anything other than a shy kindness in her voice.
“You’re not banished.” He reminded her, though the fact that she felt that way made him nauseous.
“Feels like it.” She mumbled, before raising her voice again in anger, “He won’t even let me inside!” Sage turned to face Paul completely, sitting up straighter, “Jacob stole from me, and I got shoved outside like a dog that chewed up a couch cushion. It's not fair!”
“I know.” He acknowledged. He agreed, it wasn’t fair. But there was fuck all he could do about itt after she swung at Jacob. Pack rules are pack rules.
“He won’t even give it back.” She cried, the tears finally free flowing that he had prepared himself for, as she slumped back to the ground.
“Give what back?” He asked, sitting beside her and trying to pull her into his arms. She was reluctant, so he eased up. Settling for just holding her hand. Paul didnt know what to do, he wasn’t good at this emotional stuff. He didn’t get emotional, he just got angry.
“My backpack.” She explained, “It had the watch my grandma gave to me on my sixteenth birthday in it. It was the only thing I still had of hers.”
“I don’t think…he’s got the bag anymore, Sage.” He spoke carefully, unsure if her next move would have her trying to deck him as she had done to Jacob.
She lets out a sob. Oh no. Her anger had completely turned into sadness all because Jacob couldn’t stay out of other people's business, per usual. Paul hugged her close, and whispered softly, “I’m so sorry.” 
“I want to be alone.” Sage cried, pushing him away.
“Sage,” His chest tightened, and Paul could feel her pulling from him. From their bond.
“Please.” She begged as she tucked her head into her knees., “Go away,”
He wasn’t going to push her. That would only make her resent him more, he knew that. So, he went back inside to make her the one thing he knew would comfort her. Hot chocolate.
Emily had stocked up on marshmallows too, hoping that would be an added bonus.
He turned the kettle on before turning to Jacob and Leah who were looking at him expectantly.
“You better find the fucking bag or else I’m going to let her at you.” He said through a growl, pointing an angry finger at Jacob.
“Paul!” Sam yelled sternly.
Turning to his alpha, Paul yelled angrily, “It had her grandmother's watch in it, and he lost it. She's got nothing else, Sam!” 
“I think I might know where it is.” Jacob muttered.
“You better figure it out, and fast.” Paul said with a threatening tone before he turned to Sam, “Can she come inside?”
“Has she shown any remorse at all?” Sam asked.
“If thats what you’re waiting for, she going to be gone by the fucking morning. If she leaves, I’m going with her.” Paul said with a seriousness he didn’t display all too often.
“She's not going to run, Paul.” Sam reassured him.
He couldn't help but scoff, did they not pay attention to her habits like he did?! Shaking his head, Paul argued, “She thinks you’ve thrown her out like a misbehaving dog!”
“She--”
“Doesn't know any better,” Emily said from the door with groceries in hand, cutting off her husband, “Bring her in.”
“Emily, she hit--” Sam tried to explain the events of the night
“I don’t care.” She cut off Sam again, noting, “You boys have no clue what that girl has gone through to get to where she is now. How much anger or hurt you have to have to not be able to phase back on your own, you all know what that feels like. We don’t know what caused her to feel that way, but for someone who is afraid of thunderstorms and being locked away, I'm going to assume it wasn’t good.”
 That was all Paul needed to head out back to grab her, though she wasn’t where he had left her, causing his heart to race, calling out, “Sage?”
“Sage!” He yelled out her name again, jogging around to the other side of the house.She was just fucking here, he thought.  He could still smell her but with their bond, he could usually feel when she was around. Not anymore. 
“Is everything alright?” Sam asked as he caught up to Paul. A concerned look on his face. Paul had to stop himself from lunging at his alpha, as much as his wanted him to. A fight with Sam would just waste time that they could be using to find Sage.
“Shes fucking gone!”
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