Breathe In Union
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 10
~ Jambi ~
Breathe in union.
Breathe in union.
Breathe in union.
So as one survive.
Another day and season.
~o0o~
Bella wasn't sure what to expect from Paul's home, but as she and Charlie pulled up in the cruiser and parked, she was pleasantly surprised by it. It looked nothing like his Aunt's house in Arizona, which was a well-kept middle class home typical of the area.
This home was nestled among the trees and while not small, could still be termed as quaint with its full front porch and painted window shutters. It was beautiful and she loved it immediately.
She looked over at Charlie as he sat there for a moment, seeming to gather himself. "Dad," she said tentatively, "you gonna be all right?"
He ran a hand over his face and shook his head slowly. "I'm still trying to process Bells." He looked at her. "The whole damn world as I knew it just went to hell, ya know? I mean, I've been a cop a long time now…thought I'd seen pretty much everything and nothing could phase me anymore…"
She nodded. "You know, this is all pretty new to me and Paul too. Things didn't get weird until Sue Clearwater and Sam Uley showed up in Arizona. When they drugged and took Paul, I kind of freaked. If it hadn't been for Rudy…" She gasped. "Oh god, Rudy! I was supposed to call him."
Charlie glanced at her. "Rudy?" he questioned.
"Yeah, Paul's cousin." She smiled. "He's pretty awesome and kept me from losing it completely, thank god. I can only imagine the mess if I'd flipped and called the cops about Paul's abduction…"
Charlie chuckled darkly at that. "I can only imagine Bells."
"He's gonna wanna kill me when I finally call."
Charlie smirked under his mustache as he opened his door. "Maybe you should do that sooner rather than later."
Bella got out of the cruiser and closed the door. "I will, after I see Paul. He seemed really upset. I wanna make sure he's okay."
They walked up to the house and Charlie's brows were drawn together as he looked at her. "He has reason to be Bells. Sounded to me like his whole future is off the table now and he'd worked hard for it." He shook his head and climbed the steps.
Bella joined him by the door as he knocked, her nerves about meeting Paul's mother just now kicking in since so much had occupied her mind all day. Now it was time to face the other woman in his life and she felt a little sick.
When the door opened, the immediate warmth of the woman's smile helped to put her at ease. She was only a couple of inches taller than Bella, petite, with a softly oval shaped face, high cheek bones and almond shaped hazel eyes; she was beautiful
"Charlie, you know you don't need to knock! Come on in!"
She backed away and held the door wide as they entered and Charlie turned to her as she closed the door. She immediately went into his arms and they hugged warmly as Charlie ran his fingers through her lustrous black hair. "Hi Lis," he murmured. He backed away and met her eyes. "Everything okay?"
She sighed. "Paul…well, you'll see. He's pretty upset, but he hasn't really told me why. I'm worried about him."
Charlie nodded and reached for Bella. "This is my daughter, Bella. Bella, this is my fiancée and Paul's mother, Lisa."
Bella's eyes had gone a bit wide with shock, but she recovered and smiled genuinely as she stepped forward and shook Lisa's hand. "Nice to meet you Lisa."
Lisa dropped her hand and gave Bella a warm hug as she smiled. "I'm so happy to finally meet you! Charlie's told me so much about you!"
"Uh oh," Bella said with a chuckle and Lisa smirked.
"Don't worry, it was all good and I have to say, you're even more beautiful in person. None of the pictures did you justice."
Bella silently cursed the blush that now heated her cheeks and wasn't quite sure what to say. "Thank you," she mumbled and breathed a sigh of relief when Paul came down the stairs.
"Paul!" Lisa chirped. "I'd like you to…" She trailed off as Paul grabbed Bella into a tight embrace which she returned as he buried his face in her hair.
"Hi baby," he said as his shocked mother stood next to an apologetic looking Charlie. He kissed her sweetly but broke it when Charlie cleared his throat.
Lisa's gaze flitted between the three of them and she finally found her voice. "Something I'm missing?"
Paul straightened up and faced his mother while Bella faced her too, leaning back into Paul's arms. "Yeah Mom," he said, his voice strong and steady. "This is Bella, my…girlfriend, I guess you'd say, but that just doesn't cut it. She's my everything." He leaned down, kissed Bella's cheek and asked, "You've met my Mom?"
Bella caressed his arms where they were crossed over her shoulders and chest as she nodded. "Yeah, we just met."
Lisa looked at Charlie. "How?" she asked, her brows raised.
Paul gave the short answer. "Bella and I met and started dating in Arizona. We didn't find out our common connections until later. Now, can we eat? I'm starving."
"Oh, gosh yes, where are my manners? Here we are still in the entryway…" she trailed off as she took Charlie's hand and began leading him through to the dining room.
"Please," she said with a slightly dazed smile. "Have a seat and I'll bring in the food. I hope lasagna's okay?"
Charlie sat and nodded. "Sounds great to me."
Bella broke away from Paul. "Let me help you."
Lisa smiled gratefully. "Thanks, that would be great," she said as she led Bella into the kitchen. "If you could grab the basket of bread and the salad, I'll get the pan of lasagna."
Before she could move away, Bella laid a hand on her arm. "Lisa, I just want to apologize for springing all this on you so suddenly and I also want you to know that I love Paul very much. He means the world to me."
Lisa smiled softly. "The same can be said for me with Charlie. Please know that I love him with my whole heart and I'll treat him right. I know we kind of sprang our news on you too." She laughed lightly. "Guess we could all use some lessons in communication."
Bella smiled and nodded. "You're right, but at least we're communicating now." She met Lisa's eyes. "You need to know there's more, but it can wait until after dinner. Today has been rather hellish."
Lisa grabbed the oven mitts and opened the warm oven to take out the lasagna. "Yeah, Paul seemed very pensive when he got home, but he wouldn't talk."
Bella grabbed the bread and salad. "He was probably still processing everything himself." She met Lisa's gaze solemnly. "There's a lot to take in and it's serious."
Lisa froze for a moment as she stared at Bella. "Okay," she said with a nod. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it together, but—you're not preg.…" She trailed off as Bella's eyes widened.
"No! Oh god no. That's not it at all."
"Oh good," she breathed in relief. "I'd really hate to have Charlie wanting to kill my son." They chuckled together and walked out of the kitchen and Bella couldn't help but be impressed by the woman's strength and resolve.
"Finally," Paul muttered as they brought the food in and served.
"Paul," Lisa admonished as she handed him his loaded plate. "You'd think you hadn't eaten in days the way you're acting!"
He glanced up at his mother as he shoved a big bite into his mouth, but didn't pause to explain. He was just too damn hungry. Bella came to his rescue though.
"That's because he hasn't Lisa," she said with a dark scowl on her face as she picked up her fork and cut a bite.
Lisa looked at her son in shock. "Sue didn't make sure you ate on the trip back?"
Again, Bella answered. "They drugged him to take him from my house and kept him that way the entire time until allowing him to wake up earlier today."
Lisa's fork clanked onto her plate as she shot to her feet. "Excuse me," she said tightly. "I have an ass to kick."
She spun and left the room as Paul smirked and continued eating. Charlie got up and followed with a sigh and Bella met Paul's eyes as he swallowed and took a drink of water.
She sighed. "She doesn't know the full story Paul. Don't you think she should before she beats the crap out of Sue Clearwater?"
His brows rose. "You think I'm gonna tell my mother about…" he leaned forward and lowered his voice. "…that I turn into a massive wolf?! he hissed. "No fuckin' way B!"
He went back to eating and Bella scowled. "She needs to know Paul. How else are you going to explain all the…weirdness?" she finished quietly as she stared down into her plate.
He tossed his fork down onto his empty plate and looked at her with hurt in his eyes. "Weirdness?" was all he said as he shot out of his seat.
Bella held out a hand to him. "Wait! I didn't mean…that came out wrong! You know I love you, no matter what!"
He was shaking now and she stood and went to him. "It was a poor choice of words Paul and I'm sorry," she said as she wound her arms around him and laid her cheek against his chest. "But it's only right and fair for her to know everything. Charlie knows and they are together. It's not fair to any of us to have her out of the loop. It'll drive a wedge between us all." She reached up and traced her fingers over his cheek and he closed his eyes as he calmed visibly.
"You're right," he breathed out with a resigned sigh. "Fuck, why? Why did this have to happen? Why couldn't my life be normal and happy for once?"
It was Bella's turn to feel hurt and she sucked in a breath as she took a step back. "You're not happy with me?" she questioned and his eyes went wide.
"Shit B, no, I didn't mean that about you," he said lowly as he pulled her close. "God Shorty, you're the only thing keeping me sane right now. You're the only bright spot left. You mean everything to me," he said as he kissed her head and rocked her side to side. "I love you B."
"I love you too Paul," she murmured against his chest.
Just then, a calmer Lisa and Charlie walked back in and took their seats so Bella and Paul retook theirs.
"All right," Lisa said resolutely as she met each gaze at the table in turn, ending with her son. "Tell me everything."
Paul looked stoic as he nodded. "Fine, I will, but can I get more to eat first?"
Charlie chuckled as he ate and Lisa smiled. "Sure kid. Get all you want, but you're not leaving here until I know everything."
"All right," he said as he loaded his plate again. "Just know, you asked for it."
When he was halfway through his second helping, he paused and asked. "So, you know all the legends that were told by the elders at the bonfires?"
His mother nodded, swallowed and wiped her mouth on her napkin. "Yes, I remember them, why?"
He shrugged, cut another big bite and answered. "They're all true," he stated flatly as he shoveled the bite in and chewed.
Lisa choked on her water. "Excuse me? Are you saying we have men who turn into wolves here on the rez? Paul…really now," she scoffed and rolled her eyes.
Paul cocked a brow and looked at Bella who raised both brows and rolled her hand in the air. "It's not an easy thing to believe Paul. You're gonna have to give her more than that."
He sighed and leaned back in his seat. "Fine. No Mom, I'm not saying there are men somewhere on the rez who turn into wolves—I'm telling you that I turn into a massive wolf as of earlier today." He leaned forward and continued eating.
Lisa scowled. "That's not funny son. Enough messing around. Tell me whatever it was Bella said was important."
Bella glanced over at Charlie who was watching the proceedings carefully. "Dad?"
Charlie sighed and dropped his head for a moment before looking back up at Lisa. "It's true Lis. We just attended a meeting of the elders before we got here this evening. Paul's telling the truth, and what's more, my daughter is his marked mate," he finished with a hint of distaste lacing his tone. "Billy Black said the tribe considers their bond more sacred than marriage."
By this time, Lisa had laid her fork aside and tossed her napkin in her plate as she stared at her fiancé. "Did they have you smoke something earlier? Because if so, I have more asses to kick than just Sue's!" she said as she stood.
Charlie grabbed her hand. "Lis? Please, sit?"
Paul finished up eating as he eyed his stunned mother warily. When he was through, he looked at Bella. "I knew this wouldn't be a good idea."
Bella looked up through her lashes. "Maybe…maybe you should just show her?" she said tentatively.
Paul sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, like I haven't had enough of turning into a giant animal for one day…fuck!"
"Paul!" Lisa said with a gasp.
He stood. "No, you know what? Believe it or don't. I really don't care at this point."
He turned and left the room and a few minutes later they heard the front door close heavily. Bella stood. "I'll go find him. It'll be fine."
She walked out and Lisa looked at Charlie. "It's true Charlie?" she asked, her voice now laced with fear.
He squeezed her hand. "Yeah Lis, it is and he's having a hell of a time with it. He was told today that he basically has to give up everything—college, his scholarship, baseball, his dreams of getting away from this reservation—everything that was important to him. He's trapped here now."
She covered her mouth as tears filled her eyes. "All that and I let him down by not believing…"
Charlie stood and pulled her into his arms. "Hey, when he cools off, he's gonna understand. It's just unbelievable and if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it either. He knows this and he'll be fine. Just give him a bit of time."
She nodded against him. "Yeah," she whispered. "That's the least I can do."
~o0o~
On her way out of the house, Bella grabbed a throw from the bench in the entry way. Nights tended to get chilly this close to the coast and though she knew Paul could keep her warm, she had no idea if he'd be in the mood to cuddle, so the blanket it was.
As she walked the trail toward the beach, she was grateful for the light of the nearly full moon, otherwise seeing would have been a challenge. God knew, she didn't need an injury on top of everything else, so she stepped carefully as she followed the tug she instinctively knew would lead her to Paul.
She found him leaning against a log in a small sandy alcove just off the main beach, looking sad and solemn as he stared out across the water.
"Hey," she said quietly. "Mind if I join you?"
He looked over at her and held out a hand. "Come 'ere Shorty," he said with a wan smile and she sighed in relief as she let him pull her into his lap.
"I was hoping you'd come find me," he murmured softly as he leaned down and kissed her neck.
"You were upset," she said as she ran her fingers through the soft inky strands of his hair. "I could never just leave you to that."
"I'm sorry for that B. I shouldn't have gotten pissed it's just…"
"Hey," she cut in. "You've had one hell of a day. If anyone is entitled to flip shits, it's you. No one blames you and when all of this sinks in for your mom, she's gonna understand too."
Gentle fingers under her chin tilted her head up and she felt his soft, full lips cover hers in a kiss as he laid her back on the blanket she'd brought. She opened to him when she felt his velvet tongue swipe her bottom lip and moaned as he deepened the kiss.
She hitched a leg over his hip and arched against him when his hand traveled up to squeeze her thigh.
"You're so fuckin' beautiful B," he mumbled against her chin as his hot kisses trailed down to her neck. "And mine," he said, his voice a low growl as his lust hooded eyes glowed amber in the shadows.
"Yours," she echoed as she tilted her head back to savor the feel of his heated kisses on her skin.
He settled against her fully and ground into her center with a groan. "I need you B. Need to be inside you…" he murmured as he stripped her of her shirt and bra.
She held his head against her as his hot mouth sucked in her nipple, the feel of it going straight to her center and soaking her panties with need.
He raised his head and breathed deeply with slightly flared nostrils as a growl rumbled deep in his chest. "Your scent…god, you get me so hard…"
He stood and stripped himself as Bella wiggled out of the rest of her clothes and reached a hand out for him when she laid back on the blanket. "Paul," she whispered as he watched her with that heated gaze. "Please…"
She didn't need to say anymore for in the next second, he moved to cover her with lethal grace. She couldn't help but think in that moment, there was no mistaking his otherness. He was just too beautiful, powerful and lithe to be mere human and it only served to make her love him more…want him more.
He settled between her welcoming thighs and wasted no time in entering her with a groan and a gasp as she clung to him. They both felt it; this was something more…more than a mere joining of bodies and as they stared into each others eyes, tears traced into her hair from them both, as they were joyfully overwhelmed with it.
He pulled his hips back and surged froward as he held her close, the two so close they shared the same breath as they climbed steadily higher and their souls joined fully, once and for all.
"Paul," she whispered against his lips… "Bella," he answered just as reverently as his body loved hers…pleasured hers…mastered hers.
They came together, both spiraling up, up and out as a glow danced and shimmered around them while they sealed their love with a kiss.
He drew back to see her as his fingers traced her face. "Forever my Bella," he said and she smiled through her tears.
"Forever my Paul…my silver wolf," she affirmed.
And so, wrapped together in the moonlight, they fell into slumber, their hearts beating in sync as they would for the rest of their days.
~ Jambi ~
Breathe in union.
Breathe in union.
Breathe in union.
So as one survive.
Another day and season.
~o0o~
Bella wasn't sure what to expect from Paul's home, but as she and Charlie pulled up in the cruiser and parked, she was pleasantly surprised by it. It looked nothing like his Aunt's house in Arizona, which was a well-kept middle class home typical of the area.
This home was nestled among the trees and while not small, could still be termed as quaint with its full front porch and painted window shutters. It was beautiful and she loved it immediately.
She looked over at Charlie as he sat there for a moment, seeming to gather himself. "Dad," she said tentatively, "you gonna be all right?"
He ran a hand over his face and shook his head slowly. "I'm still trying to process Bells." He looked at her. "The whole damn world as I knew it just went to hell, ya know? I mean, I've been a cop a long time now…thought I'd seen pretty much everything and nothing could phase me anymore…"
She nodded. "You know, this is all pretty new to me and Paul too. Things didn't get weird until Sue Clearwater and Sam Uley showed up in Arizona. When they drugged and took Paul, I kind of freaked. If it hadn't been for Rudy…" She gasped. "Oh god, Rudy! I was supposed to call him."
Charlie glanced at her. "Rudy?" he questioned.
"Yeah, Paul's cousin." She smiled. "He's pretty awesome and kept me from losing it completely, thank god. I can only imagine the mess if I'd flipped and called the cops about Paul's abduction…"
Charlie chuckled darkly at that. "I can only imagine Bells."
"He's gonna wanna kill me when I finally call."
Charlie smirked under his mustache as he opened his door. "Maybe you should do that sooner rather than later."
Bella got out of the cruiser and closed the door. "I will, after I see Paul. He seemed really upset. I wanna make sure he's okay."
They walked up to the house and Charlie's brows were drawn together as he looked at her. "He has reason to be Bells. Sounded to me like his whole future is off the table now and he'd worked hard for it." He shook his head and climbed the steps.
Bella joined him by the door as he knocked, her nerves about meeting Paul's mother just now kicking in since so much had occupied her mind all day. Now it was time to face the other woman in his life and she felt a little sick.
When the door opened, the immediate warmth of the woman's smile helped to put her at ease. She was only a couple of inches taller than Bella, petite, with a softly oval shaped face, high cheek bones and almond shaped hazel eyes; she was beautiful
"Charlie, you know you don't need to knock! Come on in!"
She backed away and held the door wide as they entered and Charlie turned to her as she closed the door. She immediately went into his arms and they hugged warmly as Charlie ran his fingers through her lustrous black hair. "Hi Lis," he murmured. He backed away and met her eyes. "Everything okay?"
She sighed. "Paul…well, you'll see. He's pretty upset, but he hasn't really told me why. I'm worried about him."
Charlie nodded and reached for Bella. "This is my daughter, Bella. Bella, this is my fiancée and Paul's mother, Lisa."
Bella's eyes had gone a bit wide with shock, but she recovered and smiled genuinely as she stepped forward and shook Lisa's hand. "Nice to meet you Lisa."
Lisa dropped her hand and gave Bella a warm hug as she smiled. "I'm so happy to finally meet you! Charlie's told me so much about you!"
"Uh oh," Bella said with a chuckle and Lisa smirked.
"Don't worry, it was all good and I have to say, you're even more beautiful in person. None of the pictures did you justice."
Bella silently cursed the blush that now heated her cheeks and wasn't quite sure what to say. "Thank you," she mumbled and breathed a sigh of relief when Paul came down the stairs.
"Paul!" Lisa chirped. "I'd like you to…" She trailed off as Paul grabbed Bella into a tight embrace which she returned as he buried his face in her hair.
"Hi baby," he said as his shocked mother stood next to an apologetic looking Charlie. He kissed her sweetly but broke it when Charlie cleared his throat.
Lisa's gaze flitted between the three of them and she finally found her voice. "Something I'm missing?"
Paul straightened up and faced his mother while Bella faced her too, leaning back into Paul's arms. "Yeah Mom," he said, his voice strong and steady. "This is Bella, my…girlfriend, I guess you'd say, but that just doesn't cut it. She's my everything." He leaned down, kissed Bella's cheek and asked, "You've met my Mom?"
Bella caressed his arms where they were crossed over her shoulders and chest as she nodded. "Yeah, we just met."
Lisa looked at Charlie. "How?" she asked, her brows raised.
Paul gave the short answer. "Bella and I met and started dating in Arizona. We didn't find out our common connections until later. Now, can we eat? I'm starving."
"Oh, gosh yes, where are my manners? Here we are still in the entryway…" she trailed off as she took Charlie's hand and began leading him through to the dining room.
"Please," she said with a slightly dazed smile. "Have a seat and I'll bring in the food. I hope lasagna's okay?"
Charlie sat and nodded. "Sounds great to me."
Bella broke away from Paul. "Let me help you."
Lisa smiled gratefully. "Thanks, that would be great," she said as she led Bella into the kitchen. "If you could grab the basket of bread and the salad, I'll get the pan of lasagna."
Before she could move away, Bella laid a hand on her arm. "Lisa, I just want to apologize for springing all this on you so suddenly and I also want you to know that I love Paul very much. He means the world to me."
Lisa smiled softly. "The same can be said for me with Charlie. Please know that I love him with my whole heart and I'll treat him right. I know we kind of sprang our news on you too." She laughed lightly. "Guess we could all use some lessons in communication."
Bella smiled and nodded. "You're right, but at least we're communicating now." She met Lisa's eyes. "You need to know there's more, but it can wait until after dinner. Today has been rather hellish."
Lisa grabbed the oven mitts and opened the warm oven to take out the lasagna. "Yeah, Paul seemed very pensive when he got home, but he wouldn't talk."
Bella grabbed the bread and salad. "He was probably still processing everything himself." She met Lisa's gaze solemnly. "There's a lot to take in and it's serious."
Lisa froze for a moment as she stared at Bella. "Okay," she said with a nod. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it together, but—you're not preg.…" She trailed off as Bella's eyes widened.
"No! Oh god no. That's not it at all."
"Oh good," she breathed in relief. "I'd really hate to have Charlie wanting to kill my son." They chuckled together and walked out of the kitchen and Bella couldn't help but be impressed by the woman's strength and resolve.
"Finally," Paul muttered as they brought the food in and served.
"Paul," Lisa admonished as she handed him his loaded plate. "You'd think you hadn't eaten in days the way you're acting!"
He glanced up at his mother as he shoved a big bite into his mouth, but didn't pause to explain. He was just too damn hungry. Bella came to his rescue though.
"That's because he hasn't Lisa," she said with a dark scowl on her face as she picked up her fork and cut a bite.
Lisa looked at her son in shock. "Sue didn't make sure you ate on the trip back?"
Again, Bella answered. "They drugged him to take him from my house and kept him that way the entire time until allowing him to wake up earlier today."
Lisa's fork clanked onto her plate as she shot to her feet. "Excuse me," she said tightly. "I have an ass to kick."
She spun and left the room as Paul smirked and continued eating. Charlie got up and followed with a sigh and Bella met Paul's eyes as he swallowed and took a drink of water.
She sighed. "She doesn't know the full story Paul. Don't you think she should before she beats the crap out of Sue Clearwater?"
His brows rose. "You think I'm gonna tell my mother about…" he leaned forward and lowered his voice. "…that I turn into a massive wolf?! he hissed. "No fuckin' way B!"
He went back to eating and Bella scowled. "She needs to know Paul. How else are you going to explain all the…weirdness?" she finished quietly as she stared down into her plate.
He tossed his fork down onto his empty plate and looked at her with hurt in his eyes. "Weirdness?" was all he said as he shot out of his seat.
Bella held out a hand to him. "Wait! I didn't mean…that came out wrong! You know I love you, no matter what!"
He was shaking now and she stood and went to him. "It was a poor choice of words Paul and I'm sorry," she said as she wound her arms around him and laid her cheek against his chest. "But it's only right and fair for her to know everything. Charlie knows and they are together. It's not fair to any of us to have her out of the loop. It'll drive a wedge between us all." She reached up and traced her fingers over his cheek and he closed his eyes as he calmed visibly.
"You're right," he breathed out with a resigned sigh. "Fuck, why? Why did this have to happen? Why couldn't my life be normal and happy for once?"
It was Bella's turn to feel hurt and she sucked in a breath as she took a step back. "You're not happy with me?" she questioned and his eyes went wide.
"Shit B, no, I didn't mean that about you," he said lowly as he pulled her close. "God Shorty, you're the only thing keeping me sane right now. You're the only bright spot left. You mean everything to me," he said as he kissed her head and rocked her side to side. "I love you B."
"I love you too Paul," she murmured against his chest.
Just then, a calmer Lisa and Charlie walked back in and took their seats so Bella and Paul retook theirs.
"All right," Lisa said resolutely as she met each gaze at the table in turn, ending with her son. "Tell me everything."
Paul looked stoic as he nodded. "Fine, I will, but can I get more to eat first?"
Charlie chuckled as he ate and Lisa smiled. "Sure kid. Get all you want, but you're not leaving here until I know everything."
"All right," he said as he loaded his plate again. "Just know, you asked for it."
When he was halfway through his second helping, he paused and asked. "So, you know all the legends that were told by the elders at the bonfires?"
His mother nodded, swallowed and wiped her mouth on her napkin. "Yes, I remember them, why?"
He shrugged, cut another big bite and answered. "They're all true," he stated flatly as he shoveled the bite in and chewed.
Lisa choked on her water. "Excuse me? Are you saying we have men who turn into wolves here on the rez? Paul…really now," she scoffed and rolled her eyes.
Paul cocked a brow and looked at Bella who raised both brows and rolled her hand in the air. "It's not an easy thing to believe Paul. You're gonna have to give her more than that."
He sighed and leaned back in his seat. "Fine. No Mom, I'm not saying there are men somewhere on the rez who turn into wolves—I'm telling you that I turn into a massive wolf as of earlier today." He leaned forward and continued eating.
Lisa scowled. "That's not funny son. Enough messing around. Tell me whatever it was Bella said was important."
Bella glanced over at Charlie who was watching the proceedings carefully. "Dad?"
Charlie sighed and dropped his head for a moment before looking back up at Lisa. "It's true Lis. We just attended a meeting of the elders before we got here this evening. Paul's telling the truth, and what's more, my daughter is his marked mate," he finished with a hint of distaste lacing his tone. "Billy Black said the tribe considers their bond more sacred than marriage."
By this time, Lisa had laid her fork aside and tossed her napkin in her plate as she stared at her fiancé. "Did they have you smoke something earlier? Because if so, I have more asses to kick than just Sue's!" she said as she stood.
Charlie grabbed her hand. "Lis? Please, sit?"
Paul finished up eating as he eyed his stunned mother warily. When he was through, he looked at Bella. "I knew this wouldn't be a good idea."
Bella looked up through her lashes. "Maybe…maybe you should just show her?" she said tentatively.
Paul sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, like I haven't had enough of turning into a giant animal for one day…fuck!"
"Paul!" Lisa said with a gasp.
He stood. "No, you know what? Believe it or don't. I really don't care at this point."
He turned and left the room and a few minutes later they heard the front door close heavily. Bella stood. "I'll go find him. It'll be fine."
She walked out and Lisa looked at Charlie. "It's true Charlie?" she asked, her voice now laced with fear.
He squeezed her hand. "Yeah Lis, it is and he's having a hell of a time with it. He was told today that he basically has to give up everything—college, his scholarship, baseball, his dreams of getting away from this reservation—everything that was important to him. He's trapped here now."
She covered her mouth as tears filled her eyes. "All that and I let him down by not believing…"
Charlie stood and pulled her into his arms. "Hey, when he cools off, he's gonna understand. It's just unbelievable and if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it either. He knows this and he'll be fine. Just give him a bit of time."
She nodded against him. "Yeah," she whispered. "That's the least I can do."
~o0o~
On her way out of the house, Bella grabbed a throw from the bench in the entry way. Nights tended to get chilly this close to the coast and though she knew Paul could keep her warm, she had no idea if he'd be in the mood to cuddle, so the blanket it was.
As she walked the trail toward the beach, she was grateful for the light of the nearly full moon, otherwise seeing would have been a challenge. God knew, she didn't need an injury on top of everything else, so she stepped carefully as she followed the tug she instinctively knew would lead her to Paul.
She found him leaning against a log in a small sandy alcove just off the main beach, looking sad and solemn as he stared out across the water.
"Hey," she said quietly. "Mind if I join you?"
He looked over at her and held out a hand. "Come 'ere Shorty," he said with a wan smile and she sighed in relief as she let him pull her into his lap.
"I was hoping you'd come find me," he murmured softly as he leaned down and kissed her neck.
"You were upset," she said as she ran her fingers through the soft inky strands of his hair. "I could never just leave you to that."
"I'm sorry for that B. I shouldn't have gotten pissed it's just…"
"Hey," she cut in. "You've had one hell of a day. If anyone is entitled to flip shits, it's you. No one blames you and when all of this sinks in for your mom, she's gonna understand too."
Gentle fingers under her chin tilted her head up and she felt his soft, full lips cover hers in a kiss as he laid her back on the blanket she'd brought. She opened to him when she felt his velvet tongue swipe her bottom lip and moaned as he deepened the kiss.
She hitched a leg over his hip and arched against him when his hand traveled up to squeeze her thigh.
"You're so fuckin' beautiful B," he mumbled against her chin as his hot kisses trailed down to her neck. "And mine," he said, his voice a low growl as his lust hooded eyes glowed amber in the shadows.
"Yours," she echoed as she tilted her head back to savor the feel of his heated kisses on her skin.
He settled against her fully and ground into her center with a groan. "I need you B. Need to be inside you…" he murmured as he stripped her of her shirt and bra.
She held his head against her as his hot mouth sucked in her nipple, the feel of it going straight to her center and soaking her panties with need.
He raised his head and breathed deeply with slightly flared nostrils as a growl rumbled deep in his chest. "Your scent…god, you get me so hard…"
He stood and stripped himself as Bella wiggled out of the rest of her clothes and reached a hand out for him when she laid back on the blanket. "Paul," she whispered as he watched her with that heated gaze. "Please…"
She didn't need to say anymore for in the next second, he moved to cover her with lethal grace. She couldn't help but think in that moment, there was no mistaking his otherness. He was just too beautiful, powerful and lithe to be mere human and it only served to make her love him more…want him more.
He settled between her welcoming thighs and wasted no time in entering her with a groan and a gasp as she clung to him. They both felt it; this was something more…more than a mere joining of bodies and as they stared into each others eyes, tears traced into her hair from them both, as they were joyfully overwhelmed with it.
He pulled his hips back and surged froward as he held her close, the two so close they shared the same breath as they climbed steadily higher and their souls joined fully, once and for all.
"Paul," she whispered against his lips… "Bella," he answered just as reverently as his body loved hers…pleasured hers…mastered hers.
They came together, both spiraling up, up and out as a glow danced and shimmered around them while they sealed their love with a kiss.
He drew back to see her as his fingers traced her face. "Forever my Bella," he said and she smiled through her tears.
"Forever my Paul…my silver wolf," she affirmed.
And so, wrapped together in the moonlight, they fell into slumber, their hearts beating in sync as they would for the rest of their days.
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.