Lacuna (Book two to Attraction)

7.

The delicious taste of s'mores fills my mouth while I watch the crackling fire with Paul. "This was a really good idea." I giggle referring to Paul bringing stuff to make s'mores.

"Thanks, I'm full of 'em." He replies coyly with a grin. My body leans into his shoulder while I cuddle up to him, this is peaceful being with him like this. I'm quickly taken back when a strange feeling in my throat begins causing me to cough. I quickly stand to my feet and make my way over to a tree, all the while coughing roughly.

"Will? What's going on??" Paul's concerned voice fills my ears but I can't speak. I crouch down to the ground while the coughing persists. My eyes squeeze shut when I feel a small amount of liquid come out of my mouth, I open my eyes to see a clear thick silver shaded substance. I know exactly what that is...

Paul continues rubbing my back until I stand to my feet, quickly wiping my mouth of the residue. "What was that?" He asks with fear in his voice. I turn to face him and he hurriedly wraps his arms around my body pulling me in for a hug.

"It was my venom."

"That's not normal... is it? For a vampire to cough up venom like that..." He asks while we break away from our close contact, concern still laces his eyes.

"No. I mean, I don't think so." I tell him truthfully. I have no idea if that's normal or not... Maybe Renesmee can answer that for me tomorrow. "Let's just sit back down... I want to forget about that. Please?" I beg him now feeling a little scared from what just happened.

Paul puts out the fire and joins me in the tent, his arm snaking around my waist. "Baby, don't worry about that. When we see Renesmee tomorrow we'll figure it out." He soothes, I nod my head slowly.

"Okay." I let out a small cool breath. He begins gently rubbing small circles on my hand, it's comforting.

"Can I ask you something?" Paul speaks, I look up at him from focusing on our hands.

"Yes."

"How did you... Turn?" His voice softens, almost as if he's worried he may upset me by this question but it doesn't. Not telling Paul how it happened anyway, if anything I feel better letting it out to him. He makes me feel safe.

"I got a letter from him, I thought it was genuine but it wasn't... obviously." I whisper while using my free hand to gesture at my icy body. "He got me to come into the house, and I knew I was in danger but I was too afraid to move. But then it was like he truly paralyzed me, I really couldn't move. At first I thought he was going to kill me, he pushed me down the stairs. I was in too much pain from everything else. After he bit me, I didn't realize what had actually happened. I thought it was some type of torture to cause my body to burn like that, I think I was in shock after I woke up." My voice pauses briefly. My eyes look down at Paul's hand that is entangled with my own.

"Willow, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I wasn't there to protect you." He whispers, a deep sadness is laced in his voice. "I know I can't turn back time, and I love you exactly how you are. But if I could have saved you from him hurting you..." He trails off, his voice going silent but I know what he means.

"I know. It's okay." My voice replies softly, I give his hand a soft squeeze. "Get some sleep, it's getting late." I nudge him gently.

"Okay... But if you need anything just wake me up. I won't mind." Paul says lovingly, his back is against the cot but his arms pull my body closer to his. I smile softly as he places a tender kiss against my cheek.

The leaves in the trees blow making the noise fill my ears while the steady sound of Paul's heartbeat calms me. He had fallen asleep two hours ago, but it feels like time is moving much slower tonight. It feels like I've been laying here for six hours, not just two.
My ears catch the sound of footsteps running through the woods, I frown softly and listen in closer. I don't hear a heartbeat, I don't even smell the scent of a human or a animal. My body gently slides out of the tent careful not to wake Paul while I go to investigate this noise. The footsteps suddenly stop, I run toward the sound to the left of me.