#twilight oc fanfiction

[imaslutforwritingshit]

Edward Cullen Imagine (XF!READER)

PART TWO

Warnings- smut, p in v, cunnilingus, faint jealousy (Jacob), passionate (lovey) sex

P.S I’ve actually never made smut where the characters actually loved each other😭 it’s mostly just desire. So this is actually kinda well written , just a foreword to the poetic shit she says.

Read PART ONE here ;)

I didn’t understand what he meant when he said that. I didn’t understand, until his cold fingers snakes down the bones of my hips, and he covered me with his strong body, like the crevices in my pelvic bone were made solely for his hands.

“You,” Edward strained, his voice gravely, unlike the normal smooth charisma he embodied. As he spoke in my ear, he pushed my shorts down with his thumbs, the cheeky underwear I had picked out this morning on a whim now on full display to him.

When Edward let his fingers graze the shape of my ass, his hand wavered on my skin, like every movement was delicate- and yet something he couldn’t contain. “You are making me lose myself. The way you sound, look, smell,” Edward inhaled sharply, grinding his hard cock across the sheer fabric of my underwear. The feeling sent shivers and tingles down the nerves of my stomach.

I wanted more. I’ve never wanted anything as much as I wanted this. His voice was amplifying my desire for him, each rough syllable a new jolt of electricity through my body.

Edward groaned as my panties rose up, his dick deeper in the planes of my ass. I could practically feel the veins of his body sliding on the skin of my ass cheeks.

He finished his sentence in a husky tone, each word getting harder for him to speak. “You make me want to do horrible things, Calypso. I want to be selfish with you. To you.” The lowness of his voice, if I didn’t know him as my boyfriend, would be straight up deadly- and terrifying.

My heart melted at the thought of Edward getting what he wanted, a strange mixture of lustful hormones and admiration for the words. Everything Edward has always been was good, and gentleman-like, and selfless.

So, yeah. I want him to be selfish. I want him to have what he wants, just for this evening.

I arched my back, pressing my entire ass against his erection. “I need you to be selfish, Edward. I want to see you lose control.”

Edward stopped moving for a second, breathing heavily over my body. I could feel his cock twitching on my underwear, and I bucked my hips backwards, urging him to keep going. He stopped my movement with a rough push on my hips, bringing my entire body to the cushion.

“Callie, Callie. I will never lose control.” he felt my body up, each grope electrifying my senses. “I desire ruining you. My body begs to. The amount of times I fantasized of killing you when I met you…You drive me insane, beautiful.” He paused, and I could almost feel a smile on his face. “But I’m not a dog. I wouldn’t eat you alive the first chance I get, for my own filthy benefit.” Edward bit his lip, tilting his head in a dangerously playful motion. “Unless, of course, you would prefer that. Canines?”

Realization dawned on me. Jacob. He was mocking me about Jacob. Where was this coming from?

“Edward, I don’t care about him. I want you.”

Edward draped his head by mine, the graceful stands of his hair falling on my cheek. “I don’t know why you enjoy that so much, Calypso. The thought of being weak. Under Jacob’s ruthless control.”

The words were true, but still irritating. I could only assume this fire of emotion was coming from his episode of lust, but my body was getting too many mixed emotions to understand how to feel about it.

Edward thumbed my panties now, sliding the strings down in a slow, taunting manner. “I know that animal would love to see you like that. Begging.” He snarled quietly at that, and took a quick breath as my underwear slid off my ass. “To see you asking him, pleading him to take control from you.”

I whimpered, a strange thrill coming from the anger in his voice. He was jealous- because he wanted me.

Maybe I’m sick for that having fueled my desire more.

But then again, maybe I’m sick for loving a vampire.

He kissed my shoulder blade, a soft contrast to the hardness of his words. “I’ve thought about tasting you for a long time.”

My blood.

A strange, unusual spike of fear entered my heart.

This was Edward. But he’s different now- fueled by emotions, unpredictable.

Is he gonna hurt me?

Edward kissed the small of my back, dragging his hands to my waist.

“I’ve thought about tasting you, Calypso. I just never said how.”

Edward grabbed my side, rolling me to be on my back. I stared at his eyes, animalistic and wild, blending in with the dark of the forest behind him.

“Spread your legs, my dove.”

My heart was pounding so fast, I could feel the pulse all over my body. Specifically throbbing in the area between my thighs, which I spread out per his orders.

Edward sucked in a breath in his teeth, the fangs in his mouth sticking out in a predatory manner. Only staring at my naked body, like the very sight was granting him vitality. He didn’t drop his frighteningly focused stare, and instead leaned over me, kissing my thighs. Each touch was tipping me over, teasing me in a painful way.

I remember what Edward had told me a month ago.

“So the lion fell in love with the lamb.”

I was indeed, a stupid lamb.

He grazed the skin below my stomach with his lips, tracing the lines of my hips with a trail of burning kisses. I was practically rocking my hips, a silent beg for more.

Edward pushed his cold, comforting hands on my hips again, forcing me down.

God, I could live in this moment forever.

This is my life now. He is my life now. I can’t see anything farther than this.

This is my past, my present, my future all encapsulated in one small, fleeting moment.

Edward stared at me, with intense, hot eyes, dragging on my breasts, my hips, and the slow trail to my clit. It would embarrass me- the heavy eye contact, with anyone else.

But Edward’s not like anyone else.

So I kept my gaze on him, as he kept his eyes on me, and let his warm tongue heat the area between my folds. I shivered from his godlike touch, unable to tear my eyes from the beautiful scene of his mouth on my body. He grasped my thighs harder, tracing circles with the perfect pressure on my clit.

As if he couldn’t control the quick movement, he snaked his tongue down to my wet opening, rolling movements inside of me. I mewled, gripping the sheets with white knuckles. My toes were already curling from the very idea of him touching me like this.

Edward bite down a little harder on the top of my pussy, licking my body like I was his last meal. Every touch was strategic, but am I surprised? He had 104 years of experience.

Orgasm was rising to my surface too quickly. I grabbed his hair, increasing the screaming thoughts of my mind, hoping he’ll understand. But the desire took over him- and he began flicking his wet tongue more, causing me to jerk my head backwards, clasping my thighs over his head.

“Please, Edward.” My gasps were filling the empty space, all of his movements sickeningly perfect.

He let go of me, the warm tongue exiting my folds, and I clenched my thighs together harder as he kneeled over me, his breath ragged and heavy. His lips were sleek with my fluid, and I felt my ears go red.

He was looking at me like I was the most beautiful thing to exist. He watched me, so intense that I could cower from his breathtaking gaze. Edward pulled his shirt over his head, the pale, shimmering color of his skin mesmerizing me.

The sun was out. Fading over the large pine trees of Forks- as if the universe had some perfectly divine idea of the first connection of our bodies.

His eyes were light brown in the sunlight, the lines of his abs sparkling in the warm orange of the sun.

“I’m crazy about you.” My confession was soft, so soft I wasn’t sure he heard it.

Edward slowly shook his head, but all I could focus on was the color of his eyes. It was the only thing tethering me from heaven.

He was a fallen angel, looking at me like I was the cure to his sin.

“Calypso. You are my destruction.” His breath quickened, his lean chest rising and falling with the pace of my own.

Edward’s mouth met mine one more time, one more soft, passionate time. I grazed my fingers over the muscles of his back, memorizing every part of this moment. Solidifying it in my nimble, mortal mind.

He let the tip of his dick slide on my wet pussy, staring at me with lustful eyes, eyes waiting for confirmation.

I nodded, biting my lip in preparation.

Edward let his thick shaft slide in my cunt, and I yelped, clenching his thick shoulders.

It hurt. His dick was so big, I was hardly prepared for it. But Edward, with the last remaining piece of willpower he had, slowed his movements, his hard body meeting the spongey, untouched area inside of me.

He hissed, dropping his body on mine, and he grazed his fingers through my hair, each thrust getting more powerful.

With that, I realized something.

Edward is a vampire.

A vampire with exceeding amounts of supernatural strength, and… stamina.

He showed no signs of reaching climax as he warmed my body with his cock, each stroke inside of me causing pleasure to shoot to my stomach.

I could faintly hear my reaction- unreal, loud moans that I assume the deers of the forest could hear. I mewled as he slowed down, pushing his forearms into the cushion. Edward let out a soft groan, stroking my face with his thumb. He repositioned his position, pushing his dick back in, and reaching new lengths of pleasure in my insides. I moaned, shamelessly, letting my fingers dig into his back.

The warm ball of nerves were heating at my core, a sign that I was reaching climax. Edward’s mouth dropped to my collarbones, sucking sharp hickeys as he thrusted inside of me, each movement rolling my eyes back.

I whimpered, stammering from the euphoria shaking my legs. “I’m-close…”

Edward moaned, a sound so beautiful I could’ve just watched him now, an artist and a masterpiece. He ground his hips to mine, hissing with the feeling of his body completely in mine. I let my hands fall over my head, closing my eyes to try to preserve the orgasm rising in my gut.

“No.” Edward’s voice was strained, the softness of his movements gone. Each thrust inside of me was hard, rough, matching his untainted desire. “Don’t close your eyes. I need to see you.”

I need to see you.

How could I love someone so much it hurt?

I opened my eyes weakly, meeting the heavy lidded, black pits of Edward’s. His abs clenched as he pushed inside of me, his hips bucking with a renounced speed. I gasped at the feeling of his dick hitting my cervix, trying to focus on his face, overwhelmed with pleasure.

“Please,” I begged one more time, the need for my climax forcing my legs to shake on his.

Edward managed a smile, and dropped his body again, fully covering mine. He rocked into me, and I whimpered in his ear, letting my hands drop over his neck.

Nothing has ever felt this good. Nothing will ever feel this good.

Edward groaned, the thrusts getting so hard it began to hurt again, with a strange, overwhelming pleasure that came with the pain.

“Callie…” His voice was soft for the jerk of his hips, a warm sensation rolling over my body.

“Edward!” I squirmed, peak taking over my nerves.

“I know, love.” Edward’s breaths were fast in my ear, the jerk of his hips creating the sounds of skin slapping throughout the room. He let a heavy groan slip from his lips, and I felt the leak of precum making the inside of my pussy even more liquid.

“I’m going to-” Edward’s voice was nothing more then a raspy groan in my ear.

“Please, please!” I whimpered again, clenching my legs around his abdomen to avoid the painful desire of climax. He had edged me on for so long, I don’t think I could’ve waited anymore.

Edward’s movements turned hard, fast, a ripple of sensation arousing my body again. He growled, our skin smacking together with new volume, and orgasm blinded my vision, making me roll my eyes back, and arch my back until my clit touched the root of his cock. I screamed, scraping my nails on his back until I could’ve been sure there was blood.

Edward didn’t protest; in fact, he thrust harder with that, each movement causing him to heave breaths, the warm air hitting my ear. He moaned, a vibration in the mess of my hair, and quickly pulled his warm, wet body from my own, shooting strings of hot white on the base of my stomach, dripping down my sensitive cunt.

Edward rolled off of me slowly, collapsing on the small couch, both of our bodies reeling the affects of the tiresome fuck. I attempted to catch my breath, feeling my heart beating so fast I couldn’t hear the birds chirping anymore. Hesitantly, I turned my body to meet his, but Edward was already staring at me, the warmth of his expression a relief to me. He bit his lip, his chest rising the similar pattern mine was.

I processed everything, opening my mouth to speak, but not understanding how to phrase it.

“Edward?”

He smiled, the soft, mesmerizing action in my peripheral. “Yes?” The melody of his voice still left me catching my breath.

I couldn’t say the words. They rung in my mind, an untamable message dancing through my heart.

Three words.

I love you.

Edward let his eyes fall on mine, hearing the silent plea of my mind.

“I love you too, Callie.” His mouth was parted, and his lips were red from before, and he read my mind and read those words. I couldn’t help it when I draped over his body, kissing him like it was the first time all over again.

He snaked his arms over my bare body, his smooth knuckles tickling my spine. His lips draped over mine as if we were two puzzle pieces, separated for too long, and now here, and alive, and in love.

I loved Edward Cullen. I had the very first day I met him. And even if I die a mortal, holding the hand of the boy who will exist forever, I know I’ll live until the day he ceases to.

I’ll live in Edward’s heart,

And he’ll live in mine.

Because that’s what love is, right? A taste of forever.

And we were forever.

Okay that’s it byeeee

I am super open to constructive criticism and feedback, as well as recs. Thanks for reading ! :> <333

[klarolineashur1919]

La Tua Cantante Series

Airpods Save Lives

Demetri Pov

"The meat smells divine today" Felix practically hums out. Whenever the tours came it gave us some kind of excitement. Not that any of us would admit it, we were all so bored. I in a way admired Felix's ability to make excitement from anything even though it could be immature at times. Alec and Jane kept themselves preoccupied in ways that I could tolerate but took years to stomach. I on the otherhand kept myself satisfied with the best thing the world has to offer..women. But even that lately has not had the same effect it usually has for me.

"Hmm" I merely acknowledged until I stopped in my tracks when I smelled the group that was coming. It did smell divine but not how the tours usually smell.

This was different.

It was also extremely overpowering. I wanted to search for and ravish whoever the smell belonged to. Fresh oranges, sweet wine, lavender and ink.

"You can tell someone from this group is rather tasty can't you" Could Felix smell it? Did he feel as I did at this moment? The craving of something unknown. But we were about to find out as the group entered the hall. Me and Felix moved to the side by the assistants desk. The group strolled in with Heidi at the front as usual.

"Demetri" She said sultry trying to get my attention as I didn't even spare her glance worth while. I scanned the group it felt like it went on forever of unwanted faces until my eyes found her.

It was her scent. She wore a orange scented perfume, she just had a glass of wine for lunch, her floral flowy dress was lavender scented from cleaning and she had small smudges of ink on her almost spotless delicate hands.

It all made her so intoxicating.

She was stunning. With her long, slightly wavy blonde hair, blue eyes, and a curvy hourglass figure that was complemented by her slender frame.

"Now she's a tasty little thing" Felix said a little too loud that she had to have heard it but her expression did not change from the somewhat bored one she had. I realized she wasn't in awe nor had the enthusiastic interest that everyone else in the tour group had by Heidi's power of persuasion. Then I watched as her eyes darted to something in the side hallway making her leave the group.

"Well thats rare" Felix somewhat interested in the human making a move in her direction before my arm shot up.

"I got it, I'll meet you in the throne room" Without looking at him I make my way towards her.

I watch her as she is analyzing or I should say scrutinizing the Portrait of a Young Man painting. It wasn't my favorite painting of Raphael's but I didn't think it deserved the amount of scrutiny she was giving it. Her nose scrunched, the lines on her forehead and her eyes almost closed by how hard she was trying to see the even smallest details of the painting.

"Give peace a chance..Let the fear you have fall away" I jumped slightly at the sudden angelic melodic voice that came from her as she stepped back trying to look at it from a different angle. Her hands rested at her bag that laid on her hip preparing to open it. I faked a cough to make my presence known but she did not turn to me as she took her phone out from her purse. I moved towards her quickly taking her phone from her before she was able to take a picture.

"Umm excuse me" She said in a sweet surprised voice as she turned to me. If I had a breath it would have stopped as I looked into her eyes.

They were so blue they reminded me of the Aegean Sea.

They reminded me of a home I once knew and I thought long forgotten.

"What's wrong with your eyes?" She said gently grabbing her phone from my hand. My eyes looked like hers once I think. Now they're not as pretty.

"It's a medical condition...you shouldn't have left the group" She placed her hair behind her ear showing a white plug in it. She took it out.

"Is this real?" She pointed to the painting. She hasn't broken eye contact from me nor my eyes from her. This was quite an anomaly for me.

"Yes what makes you question the authenticity?"I say amused by this creature. I usually take human girls in the privacy of dark corners and be done with it. But her...I wanted to make this last.

"Well for one it's been lost for almost a hundred years, this is a Raphael painting correct?" She says trying to be polite but about to burst from this discovery she found.

"Correct, artist are you?" I said conversational but she precedes to put the plug back in her ear. She turns from me much to my displeasure as I watched her hips start to sway away from me.

"Architect major with an art history minor" She said walking in the opposite direction of where she should be going but stopping in her tracks almost immediately at the next painting. She does the same act as the last much to my amusement. She starts huffing in and out analyzing every detail of the Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence. I make my way over to her. My shoulder an inch from hers as I stood facing the painting as she did. She gives me a side eye understanding I wasn't going to leave her. She goes to her ear pressing on the plugs.

"Is this a replica?" She says now finally suspicious of her surroundings if she wasnt before.

"They're all real...love" I stare down at her as she comes closer to me. Every fiber of my being was restraining myself from ending this. I wanted to relish this, savoring it like one does a fine wine.

"Are you in the mafia?" She whispers and I laugh heartily at the question.

"Now what would give you that idea?" I say coyly as I lean closer to her, my eyes landing on her slender neck. Her pretty little neck.

"Because this painting was supposedly stolen by the mafia" She said matter a factly moving from me realizing how close I was to her. I clenched my jaw at the distance between us. I wanted us closer. I had the feeling even if I skin to skin with her wouldn't be close enough for me. But she seemed absolutely uninterested in me, enamored with what was around her.

"Violet, blue, green, red to keep me at arm's length don't work..You try to push me out..But I just find my way back in...Violet, blue, green, red to keep me out...I win" She gives a mumbled hum of the words not fully singing them out knowing that I'm there close behind. She accepts that fact along with that all the paintings she sees are real. She doesn't analyze them viciously like she did before. Now just taking them in like they should be. But I am analyzing every detail of her. The flutter of her eyelashes, the curve of her hip and the way her hair bounces as she walks. She turns her head to me behind her, giving me an excellence view of her perfectly structured jawline.

"Are you art thieves?" She says innocently genuinely curious. I chuckle at her guess. I look at her ear looking at the plug realizing sound was coming from them.

"What are those things?" She looked at me confused. I lift my hand slowly towards her tapping the back of my finger lightly against one of the plugs.

"Oh..they're airpods" She looked at me like it was the most obvious thing in the world and I had absolutely no idea "they're like earplugs or headphones." I mouthed a little "oh" as she let out a little giggle at my ignorance.

"I'll have to warn Heidi about those" I say more to myself as me and her walked side by side down the hall, further and further away from the throne room. We're getting close to a intersection, one hall leads to a cellar and the other leads to an exit. Decisions...Decisions.

"Was Heidi the lady in charge of the tour?" I simply nod while I think of the fact this girls life is in my hands. Do I truly want to snuff out the sun? I'm quite thoughtful about the decision as I firmly placed my hands behind my back.

"She's kinda an airhead isn't she?" I whip my head towards her uncontrollably crackling at her statement.

"Heidi?" I say absolutely bewildered by the statement. I don't think Heidi has ever been described as an airhead?

"Well I know that is kinda mean. I really am not into girl shaming but..she has all this to show"She twirled around then kept walking "and she said a lot of words with really nothing of substance behind them. I did listen a little to her in and out...I don't know I preferred music over her" My hands tighten behind my back as I stare at her. Her hair when she spun I got a delightful whiff of her shampoo.Citrus. Fresh oranges. Her blood would taste so sweet.

"Like this castle has to be from the 12th century-" She looked at me curiously as I stared at her clavicle. That would be a wonderful place to take a first bite.

"11th" I muttered out. We made it to the intersection, cellar for a drink or exit for her life.

"Oh" She tilted her head up to the ceiling an spun slowly on her heel around "I can picture that..there is some roman designs" She smiled to herself. Her eyes sparkled. It's funny I lived in this castle going on a thousand years and always found it a dull place mostly except when we used to have parties. But in one day she saw the beauty in it.

"Are you a lover of Artemisia Gentileschi?" I asked as she was about to turn down the hallway to the cellar, stopped to look at me.

"Yes...why?" She smirked cutely. I smile at her for giving me that answer. I take her hand in mine and lead her through the hallway with the exit.

"Hey how do I know you're not taking me in some dark room to have your way with me" She said half jokingly. I just smirk to myself. She would be so delicious but for some reason it seems like it would be a waste. It wouldn't even be a minute before her life would be gone and she would be gone. Her beauty, her smile, her voice..everything about her I could just take in an instant if I chose to.

"Your hand is so cold" She did a little tug on it. I turn to her and say nothing. I stare in her eyes for a moment and she looks at me amused.

"So if I'm ever found alive and they ask me the name of the assailant, what should I tell them?" I winced as she dropped her hand from mine before the question. I wanted her to touch me.

"Demetri"I slowly drawl out "And when I see your face on the news what name will I see?"

"Nina" It almost came out as a whisper but I heard it. As I also could hear the screams start but she didn't seem to hear them.

"Here we are" I stop in front of our designated painting and she started to laugh at it. The Madonna and the child was one of our many Artemisia Gentileschi paintings but Jane had all of her famous ones on the other side of the castle that was where I didnt want her to be.

"Really out of her paintings this is the one you have?" She giggles as I just look down at my shoes like a boy. She does stop giggling to appreciate the painting eventually.

"She looks so tired" She says more to herself than to me. Then I really look at the painting myself to see what she means. I see it too in the mother's eyes. I never noticed that before probably never cared. I watch her as she looks over the painting really taking in ever detail of it.

"You should paint me it would last longer" I look down again with a smirk.

"Can I?" I say more flirting than serious. She turns to me blushing and my smirk deepens.

"What am I going to be your Rose to you Jack?" She leans closer to me making start to tense even though I was taken back by the reference. I need to brush up on current entertainment.

"Ahh-" I freeze as I can sense someone coming.

I look behind me seeing the reason why we're here..the exit.

I take her hand and hurry her to the door. We go down stairs and stairs. I have to be mindful of my speed seeing I had to keep a human one. Something came over me that I had to get her out that was my only thought at this moment.

"Where are we going?" But her question is answered when I open a door to the outside practically throwing her out. Then the sun light making me step back into the darkness.

"Wait" She places her hand on the door before I close it and I didn't want to hurt her.

"Will I see you again?" She almost whines out.

"Yes but don't come back here..meet me at the front of the clock tower at night fall...goodbye" I said it quickly as I slowly closing the door.

"Goodbye" I heard quietly right before the door closed. I regretted how it ended but there was reasoning behind the abrupt departing.

"Well this is quite unusual behavior...for you" Felix leaned against the wall at the top of the stairs.

"The girl didn't hear or see anything, no laws were broken" I say stiffly making my way past him.

"That may be but the why is what I'm curious about" he hanged his head over my shoulder mischievously. He wasn't going to let this go.

"It just felt like a waste" I shrug looking almost dazed not wanting to think what I had just done and the why.

"A waste...yes a waste of food. Bloody Demetri if you didn't want her you could've given her to me. But Im surprised why didnt you want her?"He was going to nag and nag until he got an answer to his liking.

"I wanted her...but it just felt as it would have been to quick" This was making me nervous. I haven't felt nervous since the incident with the Cullens. But this was a different kind of nervous, I was worried for her.

"Fine then I'll meet her later at the clock tower-" If on instinct I slammed Felix against the wall my hand around his throat.

"She's mine...I'll take care of it" I shove him back stalking away.

She was mine.

I hated to admit it but I knew it to be true.

She is my cantante.

[mybadlywrittenstories]

Enchanted to meet you (Paul Lahote X OC)

“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.

[atlas-of-a-human-soul]

Wildest dreams, part 18

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

[since0202]

Taking Time—Fifty Four

Home is a person

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>> ---

-------------------------------------------------------------

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 > >

[fortheloveofhylia]

Decided to do some character studies to help with drawing my comic - (costume consistency was getting tricky!)

First up is my OC Maari of the Sheikah tribe.

I'm going to do all of the boys with looks inspired by the LU designs as well as a mix of the original game designs.

Hope you guys like my art.

[wonderlandfandomkingdom]

I've been in a vast Originals kick lately but haven't had any real luck finding some new stories to read.

If anyone has some recommendations, even if they are older and completed, I would appreciate it. Anyone in the family will do. I love all of them in different ways, honestly, even Freya or Rebekah or poly ones.

Also, there is a particular story I'm looking for; I've been searching for weeks now.

I'm trying to find this story where you are Renesmee's hated twin sister forced to live in the attic. Alice and Jasper are the only ones who care about her, and she's more human than Renesmee.

Carlisle calls in the Mikaelson family as a favor for the whole Volturi, possibly war stuff.

I don't remember which family member she is supposed to be with... It might have honestly been all of them.

But by the end of the story, she and Renesmee are friends despite what the rest of the Cullens want. Please, please, please let me know if you find it.

[jupiterwrites99]

You're On Your Own, Kid

Chapter 5

Word Count : 4075

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.”

[candy8448]

Art for my SideQuest! fic where the boys go on an adventure in their animal forms to save the kingdom of Hyrule

[faroreskiss]

The Power of Understanding / Part 7 (v2)

Revised/rewritten v2 posted on: 2023/09/10

Read on Ao3

Cheat Sheet

Chapters: Part 6, Part 8

Now we introduce the REAL Hylian!

What is this?: Random snippets of adventure of Translator!Reader and Linked Universe. Summary: You have been with the Chain for a while now, as their "scholar" and translator. You know everything about them, because you are from our world. But do they know the truth about how you can understand everyone? Warnings: You will be uncomfortable. You will see things that look like gibberish. That's "Modern Hylian"! Based on the grammar book here. If you are interested in what they said... Well, stay tuned ;) Some cussing. Actual depiction of a panic attack. Points of interest: This is your thing if you are into the mystery of chain being able to talk to each other, or if you are interested in seeing some Hylian. I am an actual trained linguist IRL, hence this HAD to be written!

In this chapter: The morning after. There is trouble in paradise. On top of that, suddenly everything becomes gibberish once again, just like the moment you dropped into the world of Hyrule for the first time, two years ago.

_________________

You opened your eyes once again, this time to a bright morning. Link wasn't there with you in the bed roll anymore. You guessed he was a bit embarrassed, you thought to yourself, and he got up earlier than others. As the sunlight was kissing your cheeks, you were feeling refreshed, rested. You were feeling suspiciously optimistic.

Maybe today wasn't going to be a bad day after all! Maybe you could ignore the fact that once again you were thrown off into a random world. At least this time you had Link with you, and you could always talk to him.

...and also cuddle him.

You could already smell the breakfast, you stood up in the bedroll, slowly stretching and yawning. You saw other Links were also in the process of tidying their stuff up.

You made eye contact with the teenager for a moment, he had a friendly grin on his face.

"Good morning!" you told nobody in particular, then Wild looked at you with a puzzled yet gentle smile. It was just English after all.

Then you said good morning to him again in the language you both spoke, but he just raised an eyebrow.

"Hirelo kekur!" shouted the teenager (Sailor was what they were calling him). You also saw Link’s ears perk up, all the other Links replied to him as well, with something similar. It wasn't hard to guess what it meant. But, YOUR Link also replied.

Huh? What? Now that didn't sound like ANYTHING you have heard before. Only vaguely familiar.

Sailor put his hands to his waist, made an exaggerated gesture of smelling motion towards Link and his makeshift cooking pot, in a pleasant way and said something else. Link just nodded, said another word and let out a chuckle.

Now, the Sailor seemed surprised. He just pointed a finger towards him and said

"Hi ga tueyul tina Holaya toyul, kane?!"

"Hey, ti klietin sin!" Link replied. Now all the other Links seemed interested in the conversation. They kept saying things to each other.

You? You had no idea. This was scary. Nothing they said made sense to you. Twilight must have noticed your expression of pure terror, because you locked eyes for a moment. You had now the glimmer of hope, he understood you last night, right?

"Hey wolf guy, good morning to you too" you said to him.

The rest of the group was stunned. Twilight's eyes were wide. Well, maybe it was a secret? Oops? Then you realized that wasn't even the least of your worries...

The Old Man, after rolling his bedroll back to his backpack, signed towards you.

"Radi ni? Ni tueyil ken tin sueriy."

Oh no. Oh no. OH NO. They didn't understand SHIT.

Hyrule replied to him, "Ti ga riebun, red maden, ti ga klietin nio."

"Kan? Lami ni tueyil ker?" Twilight also looked confused, and this question was more directed towards Wild, who at this point, stopped stirring whatever soup he was making.

"Layi?" said Sky.

You were already standing up, moving towards him. You spoke the language you used to speak with him, you know, until last night. However, the words were so hard to pull up from your brain, they weren't flowing anymore. It sounded so ridiculous coming out from your mouth.

"Link? What's going on? You understand them now?" you spoke with a desperate tone, in a language that probably did not exist anymore. You were almost pleading.

He was silent. Then he opened his mouth, the words flew, and as the words flew, you felt as if somebody was making you participate in the ice bucket challenge without your consent.

"Kane.. kon..." he was saying.

"Kan gonen…" Link with the red tunic (Vet, they called him?) said from behind, witnessing the whole thing.

Link, your Link. He had no idea what you said. He was supposed to be your anchor in this shitshow. After all these years, do you really need to start over? Wasn't it enough to suffer the language barrier once already, after being thrown into a strange world not once, but twice? You missed everyone, but you were just starting to accept your reality. Why you? Why was it you?

And then, without any warning, you started to shiver, even though the weather was warm. You moved back toward the bed roll, wrapping yourself into the blanket, sitting on the floor, shaking.

Your breathing started to quicken, your chest tightened, and an impending sense of doom surrounded you. Your heart was beating so fast, it was about to jump out of your chest. Your chest was hurting as if an elephant sat on it. You struggled to grasp onto anything stable. You were hyperventilating.

This was a panic attack.

Link noticed what was happening to you right away, ran towards you and got your hands. He just started to take breaths in front of you, trying to look into your eyes.

"Ti sir," he said softly, as he took a deep breath.

You tried to follow suit. That's what you did to him when it happened. Held his hands, sat in front of him, and gestured to him to breathe together. He was just doing the same.

"Lum..." another one.

"Sum..." another one.

"Tum..." and another one.

He was counting. You would always count to three.

You just counted with him, until you started to calm down. Slowly.

_______

As you were walking through the woods, you assumed you already lost some time to whatever schedule they set, as they were talking, no, arguing intensely about something. Specifically Rulie and Time (you dubbed the OoT Link as such). They were also sometimes looking at your way.

"Tin luekom tim tia loyen," Twilight said decisively. The Old Man wasn't protesting either.

Link wasn't leaving your side, at any case. You wanted to tell him that it's okay now, no need to treat you like a princess. You just wanted to be treated normally. Though you were about to die in the well of embarrassment after what you pulled in front of the legendary heroes.

"Woah, mijero" said the Sailor looking at you, suddenly appearing from the side. By the Goddesses, the Links were already so short, a teenager felt like a little gnome. Didn't even want to mention Four (you were tempted to call him Mini, but thought better of it, even if only in your mind)...

You were around 1.65 cm (5'4 for my American readers), which already made you taller than Link. Sure, except Wind (the Sailor), these were adult men, but you pretty much felt like a giant. Only Time, Twilight and the Captain were around your height and maybe a bit taller, and they were mature adults.

So you just assumed Wind was acting surprised. You just chuckled at him. Or maybe your ears?

He pulled your hand and pointed towards the single cloud in the sky.

"Vuleh," he said, pointing at it. again.

"Cloud?" you said, trying to make the shape of it with your hands.

"Layi! Vuleh!"

You smiled and tried to say the word yourself.

"Vu-leh." what an awkward word it was. You liked it.

He made sure to make you repeat it five more times.

The little rascal was trying to distract you by teaching you words. You felt fuzzy inside. Link just chuckled, he also seemed to have agreed that this was a great idea. You continued the little game for a while.

You saw a little butterfly nearby.

"Butterfly!" you beamed.

"Kywag!" this time, Four said back. Seemed like he was watching.

And the excruciatingly tiring walk continued until you reached a place that was oddly familiar to you... You went to a spring, which Vet and Rulie rushed towards for some reason, the Captain screaming something after them and Time just sighing. Twilight followed them with calmer steps instead. He had a nostalgic look on his face. It looked like he was paying his respects to it.

Oh, of course. This was the Ordon Spring.

You were going to Ordon Village.

[imaslutforwritingshit]

Edward Cullen Imagine (F!Reader)

Y’all this took 2 hours 😨

WARNING- smut, biting, oral (m receiving)

PART ONE

Fem. Reader-

Name: Calypso Sawyer (Callie)

Origin- From New Mexico, came to Forks with her father. Had just been introduced as Edward’s girlfriend to the Cullen family<3 A human girl, similar dynamic with Edward, and personality as Bella (but not as y/n tropey as Bella acted💀)

EDWARD CAN READ CALLIE’S MIND*

He just fell in love with her cuz she’s hot af

Setting- The Cullen Mansion

“I think I have to go now.”

Edward furrowed his perfect eyebrows, a tug of smile reaching his lips. “That’s not really necessary, Calypso.”

God, the way my name sounded on his lips made me wild.

I forced myself to think straight. “But Alice and Jasper already left. Emmett says he’s about to, too.”

Edward chuckled, a sweet, soft sound. “Jasper’s only leaving because you smell so mouthwatering. He wouldn’t want you to leave on his behalf. Stay.” The last words felt urgent on his tongue, and a sudden jolt of electricity ran through my veins.

Staying, at Edward’s house.

Alone with him.

Maybe I should be scared that I’m going to be alone with a vampire. A cold blooded killer.

But I’m more terrified of what I’ll do around him. The way he makes my senses heighten, and the rest of the world disappear. How he makes my heart feel close to bursting with a brush of his fingers.

I’m scared of myself.

“I don’t know, Edward.” The lie felt far-away in my mouth.

Edward’s smile faded, and he repositioned his body on the large bookshelf. “Because of me?” The look in his eyes told me he had read the words in my mind, the fear I felt, even if it wasn’t directed to him.

“No!” I rushed the words out, and stood off the sofa to touch his face, leaning my body to his shoulders. “No, anything but you. I just don’t want to mess this up.”

Edward laughed, a heavenly vibration on my neck. The small gesture warmed my insides. “You can’t mess this up, Callie. Nothing you could do would pull me away from you.”

I looked up at him. The strong line of his jaw, those predatory, bewildering amber eyes. My gaze wandered to the soft curves of his lips, and I couldn’t help myself when I leaned in.

He gripped my lower back in response, pulling me closer as we kissed. He was delicate, careful with his movement as always, but the intoxicating tease of his tongue on mine was different. He explored my mouth with a new passion, trailing his fingers on my waist. I shivered at the cold, yet exhilarating touch. Edward immediately coiled back, his chest rising and falling quickly from the touch.

“Are you okay?” I knew he already understood I was okay, the light in his eyes proving he already read my mind.

I almost laughed. “Yes, God. I’m okay, Edward.” A playful smile reached my lips, and I grabbed the collars of his shirt, letting my warm fingertips slide over his neck.

The feeling of my skin caused Edward to tilt his head back roughly, the clench of his jaw stronger. His tussled hair spread on old books rearranged on his shelf, and he closed his eyes, like my fingers were blades.

The room was blanketed in a heavy softness, so comfortable I pushed even more, letting my fingers fall to the smooth lines of his collarbones.

“Fuck, Callie!” Edward pushed away from me, and rushed his body to the balcony with supernatural speed, grabbing the railings with brutal strength. I stared with shock as his his body heaved with breath, the thin fabric of his grey shirt untucked from his dark blue slacks.

I covered my mouth and backed up. “Shit, is it my blood?” I hadn’t stopped to consider what my scent could have done to him. I even wore an extra layer of perfume to try to offset it, but it might’ve made it worse.

Edward turned around, walking to me in quick strides, and I fell back on the sofa. He kneeled in front of me, balancing his body on his palms on the cushion.

“That’s not what’s driving me crazy right now.”

I leaned closer, letting my lips part slightly. “Then what is it?”

Edward dropped his head from my eyesight, and curled his fingers near my own. “Vampires, especially males,” Edward lowered his voice, struggling to get the words out. “We go through potent episodes of…lust.”

My mouth fell open, and I manually forced my jaw to shut. “What?” My voice was an octave higher. “Like… in heat?”

Edward laughed a dry, humorless laugh. “Yeah, you could say that.” His eyes met mine, the predatory color returning, like the way he had looked at me the first day we met.

I unconsciously almost moved back, but decided against it. Curiosity dared me to ask the next words. “So…um-how do you… take care of it?”

Edward’s hands snaked to my fingers, casually tracing circles on my knuckles. “How any guy would. Calypso, I’m still 17 in body.”

My face burned. The thought of Edward touching his body, pleasuring his self- it was too much to bear. Edward saw the blush on my face, and his nails dug into my fingers. His jaw was clenched so strongly I thought it would break, and his eyes had a dark coat of desire. He looked so desperate, a biological need for my body on his. So desperate for me. I could practically feel my mind, naked for him, all the images of his body spilling out of my thoughts.

I spoke before I could stop myself, the husky pitch of my voice unrecognizable.

“I suppose I could help you, then. It’s only fair.”

Those words alone flipped Edward over the edge. His fangs bared white, and he grabbed the small of my back, pulling me to the floor. My thighs landed, kneeled up, hitting the planes of his shoulders. He growled, running his hands over my body in animal-like movements.

“You don’t understand,” he groaned lowly, “what I want to do to you. It would sicken you. Everything I’ve thought about.”

I moaned at his touch, the embarrassment from the sound reaching the burn of my face. But it seemed to affect Edward more than me, because his breath changed into a rapid pace on my shoulder blades.

“I’d do anything for you, Edward.”

It was true.

He let out a breathy sound, and snaked his hands under my shirt, each point of my skin electrified into flame at the smooth pressure of his palm.

“You know what I want to do with you, Callie?” He brought his hand higher under my shirt, just above my ribs.

Desire clouded my vision.

“Show me.”

He exhaled in my ear, and roughly dropped his lips to mine, a strange sensation of cold skin meeting my warm one, causing fire to pop in my mouth.

“I won’t be able to control myself, Calypso.” His voice was so raw, stripped bare. He needed me, now. The very sound set me over the edge.

“I already can’t control myself when I’m around you.” I trailed my fingers from the muscles of his back, all the way to the seam of his pants. I traced the lines holding me back from his body, and he shuddered in the crook of my neck.

And he pushed a sharp sting of pressure on my neck- a bite. Edward breathed heavily, licking the area he drew his fangs in my body.

This was a dangerous, dangerous game. He was biting me so hard, the layers of my skin ripped, but not hard enough to draw blood.

This was a reckless mistake, a taste of his full desire for me.

And fuck, it was attractive. I could feel the area between my thighs throbbing, and I tried to clench my legs together, but his body was practically spreading mine out now.

Edward tenderly kissed the area, then dragged his teeth up my neck, biting just under my jaw. It stung even more this time, and his wet tongue drew circles, making my fingers tremble.

A loud whimper slipped from my mouth, and I dropped my head on his broad shoulder. I could feel the vibrations of his chuckle, and he pulled the fabric of my shirt over my head, a strange confidence washing over him.

“You’re so beautiful, Callie.” His voice had softened, but the low desire still edged on his words, and he let his fingertips meet the clasp of my bra. I gasped, and pushed my palms on his chest. “Please-“

Edward tugged on the lace, a sign to shut me up. “Let me enjoy this. I want you to feel good.”

I was practically leaking out of my panties now, and I prayed to God it didn’t show from my shorts.

He undid the bra, carefully letting the lace fall off my body. The cold air met my already hard nipples, and I fought the urge to cover my body.

I felt so vulnerable. But I liked it. Feeling vulnerable for him.

Edward didn’t hide the breathy moan in his throat, and he kissed my breasts, starting from the low curve to the area near my collarbone. “You’re so perfect, it’s driving me insane. Insane.”

But his hands were grasped tighter around me, nails practically poking through my skin. I knew he was getting impatient.

I pushed him off, gentle enough to be kind, but strong enough to send a message. He wiped his mouth, the swell of his pink lips shining in the light of the open room.

“Get on the bed.” I paused, and added a sweet plead to my tone. “Please.”

Edward slowly rose to his feet, holding the tips of my fingers, but his eyes didn’t rise off my bare body. I could feel the blood rushing to my face.

He sat on the edge of the bed, spreading his legs effortlessly. I watched the strong muscles of his thighs, then trailed my eyes higher, to the bulge in his pants.

Shit.

He leaned back on his arms, a cocky expression smoothing over his features. He was watching me, seeing what I was going to do.

But the urgency in his eyes didn’t fade, and I knew one thing, and one thing only.

I wanted to please him.

I dropped to my knees, and Edward immediately raised his body, closing his knees a little. I pushed the top of his thigh open, and he relaxed tentatively.

“Callie, you don’t have to-“

I rose my eyes to his, hoping the innocent expression would get him to stop talking. It did. His words caught when he stared back down at my breasts, and he shifted his legs uncomfortably to try to hide the reaction of his body.

A smile danced on my lips, and I pulled down the zipper of his pants. He was so big, and I hadn’t even seen his boxers yet.

I wondered if this ever happened before, if he had ever gotten hard to the thought of me.

“Yes. It did. And I have.” Edward smiled, savoring the embarrassment on my face.

The fact he read my mind, heard those thoughts,

I didn’t hesitate when I pulled down his pants.

He was wearing dark grey boxers, clean and neat around his lean frame. His cock was pressing against the fabric, the shape almost being explicit against his underwear.

His voice was thick with mockery. “Do you need me to help you, pretty girl? You seem a little nervous.”

I ripped those off, too.

His cock sprang up, and wo-ow, his body is probably entirely perfect. A pink head, delicately sculpted on his thick shaft, the entire shape veiny, like some work of art, smooth, pale skin twitching with anticipation.

He laughed, the admiration of his dick apparently seeping through my thoughts. I slowly let my fingers wrap around it, and Edward’s breath hitched. I brought my body closer, the points of my nipples grazing over his knees, and I let my mouth touch the tip of his cock. He immediately arched his neck, throwing his head back as if every small touch was causing him overwhelming pleasure. I could see the way his hands were gripping the sheets, and I suddenly wished he was grabbing my hair, instead.

As if he was reading my mind, (he was), Edward let his hand drag on my scalp, urging my mouth to go farther.

I dropped my lips, pushing his dick to the back of my throat, but the length of his shaft was too much for me to fit all the way. Edward didn’t make any complaints, though, because he was too busy trying to control the raspy moans slipping from his tongue.

“That’s it. Yeah, good-“ he broke into a low groan, bucking his hips forward. “Good girl.”

The pet name had me bobbing my head even more, warming his entire dick with the saliva of my mouth. I could feel Edward’s eyes on me, taking in the skin of my back, the feeling of my lips. He clenched the scalp of my hair, and began pushing my head on his body, working my mouth the way he wanted.

He forced my head down, dropping it all the way on his dick, and I made myself take it all instead of gagging. He jerked my head up, over and over, each thrust of his hips in my mouth messier and shorter, as if he was close already. His dick warmed the back of my throat, but he pulled my lips all the way up, saliva coating my tongue. Edward’s eyes were pools of black now, so dark it slightly terrified me.

Whatever episodes of lust he was talking about, he must’ve hit his peak now. It seemed like he was on the brink of destroying me.

“Get up.” His voice was hoarse, and his mouth twitched with the words.

As soon as I did, Edward used his strength to slam me to the couch, letting my stomach hit the cushion. I repositioned my head, trying to meet his eye, but he crawled on top of me, and whispered low in my ear,

“The way I’m about to make you scream, my love, is gonna hurt way more than my cock in your pretty throat.”

Part TWO here

[redrydersrequiem]

The Raven and the Vampire

Chapter 3

Walking with Angela was nice; she seemed nice, and very smart. The classroom was again in shades of white but did have pops of color from the artwork hanging all around. Setting down your stuff and waiting for the teacher, a familiar figure bounces up and sets down.

“Are you Elara, I'm Alice Cullen. It's so nice to meet you.”

“ You as well” reaching out to shake the girls hand I notice how cold she is, which must be cold if even I notice she’s cold,

“Wow you’re hands sure are cold”

“Oh yeah you know what they say, cold hands warm heart.”

“Agreed.”

“You know I can already tell we are going to be great friends. I really hope everything comes together for you.”

“Oh thanks and I hope we become friends as well.”

Just as that is said the teacher comes in to begin the lesson. Looking back and forth between the canvas in front of me and Alice I try to not stare at her the whole class but the mystery of what she is to strong, So instead I send out my senses like aunt sif always said “when you can’t use your eyes use your other senses” I can hear all the heart beats in the room the air filling their lungs. Well all except one. Looking towards Alice I can clearly see her moving and blinking as she worked on her sketch. Now that’s new, What on earth are these cullens?

“So elara how old are you” alice asks noticing i was watching her

“Im 853 as of September 13th”

“What?”

“Sorry I was joking, I’m 18”

“Oh you're the same age as some of my siblings.”

“Yeah, I saw all of you at lunch. I'm sorry for how the people at the table were talking about your family. I'm sure that’s not a good feeling.

“Oh no it's fine they’ve all talked about us since we moved here.”

“ At least what they did say it seems you have an amazing family.

“Thank you, I can tell you're really sweet, you're going to make someone very happy someday.”

“Why thank you thats” The bell rings, cutting me off.

“Have a nice next class elara. I think you’ll really enjoy it.”

Before I can even begin to interpret what she just said she’s gone. Well aren’t the clues just lining up for me. I ponder as I walk to the last class of the day, Cold skin, they reacted to my magic but didn’t know it came from me. Alice didn’t have a heartbeat but I hadn’t checked the others yet so I don’t know if i can count that yet it could just be her, and they seemed really fast. My mind whirling as I walked into the room, the first thing I noticed was him. The very air around him seemed to shimmer.

“Ah miss lane I presume Im Mr Wright welcome to ap history please take a seat over by Mr Hale. Mr Hale please raise your hand so she knows where to come.”

Jaspers pov

Doing as I was asked, trying to mask the internal crisis brewing within. God Edward wanted to kill Bella upon meeting her and I wanted to kill everyone most of the time, and now the new girl is being sent right into the lion's den, damn my luck. I didn't want to breathe or move, but as she got closer, her presence washed over me. A cooling breath of air in the never ending smell of the other students' blood. It was incredible her whole being captured me and it was in that instance I knew she's my mate.

Elaras pov

I was raised in a noble court. I've had over 800 years of speaking experience, but now while I'm sitting shoulder to shoulder with my soulmate I can’t under a single syllable. I'm not even listening to the teacher rampling on, all I can think of are the subtle things I see on him. The way that one curl brushes above his right eye. Speaking of his eyes, his eyes alone are the most beautiful color of ember. The plaid blue shirt he was wearing fit him so well oh for the love of the gods just say something to him.

“Um hi,”

“Hello.”

“Im Elara”

“Jasper hale, pleasure to meet you darlin”

Wow darlin is my new favorite word, especially when said in that beautiful accent.

“ Are you enjoying forks?”

“It’s definitely starting to grow on me.”

“I think I can understand that.” The rest of the class I exchange notes and made small talk before that dreaded bell rings and it signaling my departure from him.

“I guess I'll see you tomorrow?”

“Of course, see you tomorrow darlin.”I almost don’t want to part from him, but I know now isn’t the time for us, but it is a start.

Busting through the front door I call for Mila and Lucas. I have to share all my experiences with them. I have to call mom and dad, I have to…….

“Odins beard, Elara is that you banging around out there.” I hear coming from the kitchen cutting off my inner rant.

“Yes Mila but I have a good cause, where’s Lucas I need to speak to him too.”

“I'm right here princess, how was your first day of school? ' Lucas asks as he steps out of the study.

“I found them, I found my soulmate”

“That's terrific news my lady!”

“Isn’t it. It’s just um”

“I sense a but coming.”

“You’d be correct Mila that's why I need you and Lucas. From everything I’ve observed today his family and him are not human.

“Ok before we start getting into what was just spoken, first at least tell me you know their name.”

“Oh yes sorry Mila. His name is Jasper, Jasper Hale

“How lovely a strong name.”

“I would like to be more focused on the non human part,

“Of course do Lucas.”

“I'm sorry Mila but the princesses safety is my first concern, I promised her father and more importantly the Allfather.”

“Yes yes we shall let you complete your duty, now dear what were you saying about them not being human.”

“From what I observed they don’t have heartbeats and seem very fast. Alice, Jasper's sister, was also very cold, colder than any human should be.”

“Hmmmmm, by any chance did they seem inhumanly beautiful.?”

“Yes actually, they did stand out more than the other children.”

“What about their eyes?”

“ Well my soulmate had beautiful ember almost yellow eyes”

“Then I do believe I know what they may be my lady.”

“You do.”

“Yes midgardians have a legend of an inhuman species that survives on the blood of other sentient beings. While many believe these stories to be just that, the being is very much real. Here the local tribe calls them the cold ones”

“Local tribe?”

“Yes there is a tribe here of children of Fenrir.”

“Oh wolf shifters then, amazing I remember reading of them as a child, I'm glad they are still around.

“Yes they are. Many of them have taken on the charge of maintaining peace

and protecting the humans from the cold ones.”

“Why must they protect the humans?”

“Anciently cold ones while intelligent many would be overcome by their darker tendencies and slaughter full villages. Though from what you’ve told me your soulmate and his family seem to be the other end of that spectrum.

“What do you mean.?

“ Well with the speed, beauty,cold skin but more importantly the gold color of their eyes it would seem your soulmate and his family are in a way vegetarian vampires, meaning they don’t prey on humans but animals instead.”

“Amazing, what else do you know of their species’

“Well a good thing is they are a long lived race they do not age from the time they are turned.

“Perfect I wouldn’t have to worry about out living them, and the aging we could possibly figure out later on but that is so far away.”

“The cold ones can also have gifts my lady”

“They have aesir.”

“No my lady, not really asgardian aesir, it's a special form that we don’t have much knowledge on, all I know is that they can have abilities from telepathy to elemental manipulation and so on from my understanding it all depends on their lives before they are turned and even then not every vampire has a gift.”

“Interesting, mom and dad will be impressed.”

“Elara dear if you contact them please don’t forget to tell them we’ve finished the preparations for the house so they can send over your pet.

“Really, Mila you're the best, Aurelius will love the woods here.”

“Yes, I'm sure your giant pet wolf will love the woods.

“Oh Lucas, it'll be fine. I already decided we’d cloak him to look like that fluffy bread. What was it called again?”

“A husky dear.”

“Yes a husky, to the midgardians he will just be a regular husky.”

“I hope so cause I believe a 12ft silver wolf would upset the locals.”

“I would expect no less from a direct descendent of Fenrir,”

“ Think of it this way, Lucas, he can help you protect me.

“Whatever you say, dear princess whatever you say.”

Cullens pov

The next day at school the cullens including bella all stand by their cars like usual waiting for the new girl to come into the parking lot.

“Jasper are you sure it's her you felt the connection to”

“Yes, I’m sure. She’s the only one around that I don’t feel the urge to kill.”

Her presence alone feels like a cool blanket covering the aching heat in his throat. Not that he’d admit that to his siblings yet.

“Well everyone, how do we think we should handle this.?” Alice asks the

group surrounding her

“ Last time we got involved with a human it didn’t go well, Sorry Bella”

“No offense taken Rue.”

“I haven’t seen anything in any of our futures that suggest she’s a danger and this could be Jasper's chance to finally have the happiness he deserves. I'm not going to let you all ruin that for him.”

“Thank you Alice.”

“I think we should get to know her and if she is a danger we'll speak to Carlisle and go from there.”

“ See rue agrees besides I've already introduced myself to her and I like her. I know she'll be a wonderful addition to our family”

“Just make sure you respect her boundaries babe.”

“Rue Im offended I have great respect for boundaries” Rue shakes her head with the rest of the cullens in a knowing way

“Sure you do sweety. Come on y’all the bells about to ring wouldn’t want to miss another glorious day of highschool.

Elaras pov

Watching the cullens enter the school I feel the smile spread on my face as I lean against the purple jeep Lucas suggested I drive instead of my bike. I can see them all once again watching me from the gourd around their cars. Vampires huh how very very interesting .Most of them i.e. Emmet, Alice and Jasper have smiles on their faces while the others look somewhat grim. It’s almost like they are suspicious of me, but for what i couldn’t figure, i guess we'll see who approaches who first.

The morning was going well when I saw Alice while walking to my next class. She was standing in the hall with her girlfriend rue and their other sister Rosalie. I waited for the rushing crowd of teenagers to disperse a little before making my way over. Alice saw me and shot me a giant smile, gleefully motioning me over to them.

“Elara, good morning.”

“Morning alice.”

“Let me introduce you this is my girlfriend rue and my older sister Rosalie,”

“It’s nice to meet both of you.”

“It’s nice to meet you. Alice wouldn’t stop talking about you yesterday after art. It's almost like I already know you. Rose say hi hun don’t be stiff”

“No, it's fine she doesn’t have to say anything if she doesn’t want to.”

“Sorry I was just thinking to myself, hello my name's Rosalie, it's nice to meet you. I assume you got the whole tour yesterday from everyone.”

“Yeah it was sooo much fun. Especially all the staring and whisper you hear all day ”

“ I can definitely understand that it was the exact same when we all started school here.”

“At least you all had each other. You all seem like a very tight knit family”

“Yeah we can be.”

“elara I'm so excited you just have to sit with us today at lunch and meet everyone. I can definitely tell we all make fast friends.

“Sure Alice I would love that, only if everyone would be comfortable with it.”

“Oh no everyone would be just fine i'll make sure of it. Now I'll see you at lunch. I'll wait for you by the front door”

“Sounds like a plan I respond when he schools bell sounds in the hallway.”

“Ok elara well see you at lunch come on rue we have science class “

“Oh joy, bye elara” rue replies her whole body slumping with disdain or the upcoming class i simply laugh at her.

“Bye good luck,” the two girls walk off more like alice drags rue off. Rosalie is stood beside me still also lightly smiling at her siblings behavior

“What about you Rosalie?”

“I have math next with Emmet but I guess I'll see you at lunch.”

The blond walks off as I now make my way to my own class. It seems that I have a lunch date with the Cullen family now. This will be a more productive day than I thought.

Jaspers pov

“You did what? Alice what in the hell”

“Oh calm down Jasper, this is the perfect opportunity to formally introduce her to our family.”

“Have you met our family? Look what happened when Edward met Bella, we're still dealing with that. I'm not gonna let my mate get hurt.”

“Jasper calm down nothing will happen to elara”

“How do you know? Isn’t she’s a shield like Bella”

“Well I wouldn’t say she’s necessarily a shield. I've seen glimpses of her in your and our future but it's like she’s surrounded by bright light every time I see her. Almost like she muffled in a way”

“Muffled. That still doesn’t mean she won't be hurt by me or anyone else”

“Jasper you can’t live your life in fear or you won't live at all. I want you to be happy and I know she’s what’s going to make you happy, now pull yourself together and she's joining us for lunch.”

Oh lord, I really hope Edward is wrong about all his eternal damnation because I could really use some hope right now.

Elaras pov

Lunch is only fifteen minutes away. The bells blares in my ears, tuning out the fast beating of my heart momentarily. Ok elara you can do this. You're a 853 year old princess of Asgard. You’ve been trained in the mystic arts and fighting from the moment you could walk. A group of midgardian teenagers should not be a problem. Now put on your big girl armor and let's do this. Pep talk done, I head into the lunch room and immediately see alice bounding up to me.

“There you are girly right this way and don’t worry only Edward bites but you can just ignore him. The rest of us do most of the time.”

Slipping her arm through mine I have no choice but to follow her as the whole cafeteria watches. It’s just like a court function back home keeping my head high and taking a step at a time. Till I see the table come into view and there he is, Gorgeous curls and all. Then he turns and the smile he shows is like being hit with the bifrost full force. All of them are beautiful in itself but him, he's even more so.

“Here she is, everyone. elara you’ve already met, my better half Rue,” you wave and smile at rue which she copies

“Next to her is Bella swan. I don’t know if you have officially meet”

“Hi Bella”

“Hi elara”

“The brooding one beside her is her boyfriend and our brother Edward.”

“He just nods which is fine for me as I reciprocate the gesture.”

“Hey don’t forget about me, I want to say hi too.”

“Yeah yeah emmet hold your horses. elara this is emmet the loud one of the group

“Don’t you mean the fun one of the group?”

“No i mean loud”

“Hahaha hi emmet it's good to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, elara. I gotta say your bike the first day was sick we'll have to talk.”

“You bet”

“Like you know about motorcycles”

“Hey babe that’s not nice im a wealth of knowledge”

“If you really want to talk about cars and bike I’m the one to talk to”

“Oh really that's really cool Rosalie I would love to talk.”

“Hey see, we're all friends already.”

“Sure Emmett and last but not least is Jasper you can take the seat next to him I'm sure you’ll get along great” The blush that enveloped your checks didn’t go unnoticed by the others but thankfully none of them commented on it.

“Hey darlin, it's nice to see you again.”

“You as well jasper.”

I take the seat next to him that he pushed out, ever the gentlemen that definitely a plus check for him. The table is quiet as everyone settles in, not knowing what to say I wait for one of them to hopefully start speaking and thankfully emmet doesn’t miss his que.

“So elara how's the rain been treating you.”

“I actually like the rain, it's comforting to me.”

“Really wow the complete opposite of Bella. Hahaha” Everyone silently chuckles the brunette glaring at Emmett

“Where are you from Bella I was told you where new last year”

“Yeah I was I came from phoenix Arizona”

“What’s it like there”

“It was mostly like a desert so this was a big change.”

“Oh that's cool.”

“Yeah I was kinda iffy about it at first but now it's really grown on me.” She hugs edwards arm and they both stare at each other with clear love in their eyes”

“Get a room you two, so elara tell us about yourself” rue asks from the other side of the table

“Well I just moved from insert ( fake hometown) and I moved here to travel a little with my aunt and uncle since my parents are really busy.”

“Wow that's cool, but do you not have any siblings or pets or anything?

“No, I have two new baby brothers, Vance and Nate and then my pet dog aurelius actually came with me.“

“Oh you have a pet, what kind of animal are they?” Alice asks from her seat next to rue

“He’s a silver husky. Here I have a photo of him on my phone.”

Pulling up the photo of transformed Aurelius I show the group with a smile”

“Wow , he's really pretty, almost kind of looks like a wolf.” Bella says with aw in her tone, the slight shift from the rest of the table though from her words does not go unnoticed by you. I hope these people don’t have issues with wolfs (foreshadowing lol) But then what Lucas said about the local moon children tribe comes to mind and everything just drops into place in your mind.

“Let's change the subject elara what’s your favorite class so far

“Well rose I would have to say history so far”

“Oh that's the class you have with Jasper right?”

“Alice!” jasper scolds her silently as he sees the blush form on my cheeks

“Yes, that is the class I have with jasper. I must say your whole family is amazing. Jasper has been nothing short of a gentleman to me since he got saddled with me being his desk partner.”

“That’s how my momma raised me, true southern hospitality.”

“I'm glad it’s definitely an attractive feature, I will say.” Alice suddenly Interrupts the staring between you and jasper

“Hey elara you wouldn’t happen to have any plans this weekend would you”

“No I don’t,”

“Then you should come to port a with all of us girls, i think we would all love for you to become a friend”

“I would love that actually.”

“Hooray, ok here let me get your phone number and we'll get all the details finalized.”

It feels so mundane exchanging numbers with Alice,she even whispered she'd give you the others numbers later, only if you wanted them. The rest of the lunch is filled with general small talk. Bella really being the only one at the table eating the rest of us converse. The conversations actually feel pretty easy making time go by faster, the bell echos in the room signaling the end of the lunch period

“Oh shoot there's the bell right when the conversation was getting good to”

“It’s ok alice maybe elara would like to sit with us again.”Jasper asks

“Of course I will. Besides Alice, you and I have the next class together, we can continue talking there.”

“Perfect well then let's go.” She hops up quick kissing rue on the cheek before taking my arm in hers to start walking to our class.

“Bye Elara, I'll see you in last period.” jasper manages before emmet slings his arm around him in a half choke with a giant smile on his face

“Yeah elara he’ll see you last period” Laughs emmet as he drags jasper off

“Bye jasper.” you wave after them just in time to see him look back and give a final kilowatt smile

The rest of the week eating with the cullens was amazing. I actually had gotten pretty close to everyone including Edward after I bonded off one of his favorite philosophers quotes and the following debate about it. They were all amazing, I was over the moon with the progress, they of course wouldn’t trust me with their family's secret yet but at least they are welcoming, now I just have to get through meeting the cullens matriarch.

It’s finally Saturday morning and i'm ready to experience midgardian shopping, but not ready for meeting my mates parents. Arriving at the beautiful house I arrive at the door but before I can even attempt to knock, the door flies open to reveal a smiling alice.

“Oh elara I'm so happy you're here.”

Alice practically pulls me through the house to the kitchen where the amazing smell of cookies wafts. Behind the kitchen island a beautiful woman stands, she almost reminds me of my grandmother, the grace, strength and kindness just radiating off her in the same waves as her beautiful chestnut hair. This must be Esme Cullen, their mom.

“Esme look who’s here”

“Oh hello there dear, how great to finally meet you, the children haven’t stopped talking about you.” She crosses over to you and pulls you into a quick Hug.

“Oh thank you, it's wonderful to meet you too and I have to say it smells amazing, in here.”

“Oh thank you dear, I'm making some cookies for Carlisle's colleges up at the hospital.

“Did I hear my name?”

A sweet honeyed voice calls as the head of the family walks up to his wife embracing her from behind.

“You did, but now that you're here, introduce yourself to the children's new friend.

“Ahh you must be elara lane” Carlisle greets as he reaches his hand out to shake yours

“That would be me sir.”

“Well it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm glad the kids have all made another great friend here in forks.

“They are all amazing, it's sad that the other kids can’t see that.

“Well isn’t that great. I hear you girls are going up to port Arthur to shop.”

“Yes sir, Alice graciously invited me along. I’ve never been up there so i'm sure it will be exciting”

“Oh course it will elara well go to all my favorite stores and find the perfect outfits for everything.

“What about us alice?”

“Oh there you two are. I'm guessing Bella was able to get out of girls trip this time?

“Yeah she’s with Edward today.”

“Oh are they that couple”,

“Yes they are girl! But Rose can’t say much, her and Emmet are about the same.”

“Oh please rue, like you and alice aren’t.”

“I wont say we aren’t I love my little pixiepie ” Rue rushes over to alice to kiss her cheek and squeeze her

“Ok whatever, elara we're gonna go in my car if that's ok, trust me you don’t want Alice to drive.

“I heard that Rose,’

“Good you were supposed to. Come on”

As the girls all say their goodbyes and walks away I can’t help but turn back to again say goodbye to Carlisle and Esme,

“Thank you so much, it was amazing to meet you both

“You too, dear.”

“Yes don’t let those girls bully you into anything you don’t want to do we thought poor Bella would never go with the again”

“I'll keep that in mind Dr.Cullen”

“You can just call me Carlisle. I'm sure we'll be seeing eachother again.

“I hope so”

Honking from the garage signals your retreat from the loving matriarchs in front of you.

Esme and Carlisle’s pov

Watching the young girl leave i turn to my beautiful wife

“So that's Jasper's mate?”

“Yes and I can already tell shell be an amazing mate for him. I mean I’ve never seen him smile as much as he has this past week. He’s finally coming out of that scared shell of his.”

“I agree dear and all of the others seem to really like her as well. I do hope Rose stays so open with her and we don’t have another repeat of Bella.”

“I believe she will, elara has a very unique air about her, I’m sure good things will come to our family.”

Taking one last look in the directions the girls went I silently agreed with my wife as I pulled her into my side.

Elaras pov

The red bmw drives down the street top down and music blasting . The wind flowing through my hair as Rose expertly drives into town.

All I can really hear is the occasional signing from rue beside me, as alice and rose go on about Alice’s driving skills. After what felt like five minutes we all pulled into a shopping district and the day began. Shop after shop we go and I now have no doubt that these girls are inhuman. So many stores we’ve blown through, it's almost shocking. But the fun and light conversation between all of us keeps driving me. Finally we stop at the food court, they all get a smoothie while I find whatever here seems the most appetizing.

“So elara tell us what do you think about jasper?” I simply look up at Alice a smile on my face

“Alice what happened to any subtlety.”

“Oh come on Rose I know you wanted to ask. So elara tell us.”

“Are you sure you want to know given he’s your brother.”

“Uh yes. Especially since none of us have seen him smile so much in a long time.”

“Rues right you’ve truly had an amazing effect on him.”

“What can I say?”

“Just tell us what you like, it doesn't have to be about jasper.”

“But Jasper is who I like.”

“Aww” Rue smacks Alice’s shoulder at the sound.

“Stop it let her continue, go on elara”

“He’s kind and he’s funny, super smart. Being around him is like being wrapped in my favorite blanket with a cup of tea in hand.”

“Aww that's adorable. I’ve got to tell you that he thinks the same.

“Alice for gods sake stop”

“No Rose, I want my brother and our friend to be together, so this is what’s going to happen. We’re going to beautify elara all up which wont be hard your gorgeous love, show jasper what he’s missing and i promise by the end of the week you two will be together i have it all planned out”

“Oh it’ll work out just like that”

“Yup you leave everything to me, it's the least i can do for my future sister “

“Oh lord alice one step at a time i think we all need to get to know each other a lot more before that. And we still have some family things to take care of remember” rose says chastising the small brunete

“Yeah yeah yeah it's only a matter of time”

“Family stuff is there anything i can help with?”

“No elara it's fine, maybe someday but for now let's just think of prettying you up. Come on girls I hear a Sephora calling our name.”

And just like that rue whisks me away with rose and alice following a smile on all of our faces, and all I can think of is how much I'm ready for all our secrets to be revealed so we all can actually be sisters. But first we may have to get none of them being human out of the way

[mybadlywrittenstories]

Enchanted to meet you (Paul Lahote X OC) Part 2

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.

[atlas-of-a-human-soul]

Wildest dreams, pt. 19

Summary: The pack is looking for Paul.

Warnings: angst, mentions of a forest fire

Wildest Dreams Masterlist

————————————

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

[enrapturedbythemoon]

IM LOOKING FOR A FIC!

Y'all, please, I am desperate. It's a poly!voluturi kings x swan!reader or swan!ofc. I can't remember if the MC is Bella's sister or her cousin but they don't get along.

I remember that the elite guard LOVES the MC and they're her personal guard and that she even created a game for them to play in leui of training. It's like capture the flag, but she's the flag.

At one point she goes to forks following the newborn battle to visit Charlie, but during that time she visits the Cullens at their house to formally introduce herself ask where her guard can practice.

The MC ends up collecting an old friend that happened to be one of the newborns in eclipse. Jasper ends up one of her personal guards as well.

SPOILERS if anyone ends up wanting to read this if it's found

At the breaking dawn 2 battle, Bella ends up killed, Alice betrays everyone and turns out to have been masterminding the whole battle. Edward realizes Jane is his mate.

Please help me find this, I've been looking everywhere for a long while.

______________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE!

Since this post is still getting quite a bit of traction and I don't know if people are looking at the comments.

The fic is called "We Three Kings" by Polkadottedgiraffe11. She used to have it posted on Wattpad and ffnet but due to repeated plagiarism and unjusntified account bans, she took them down. The only way to access the stories now is through discord where you will receive access to her blog. You will have to send a request through a Google doc form that she's made.

Here is the link: