world we created, paul lahote

Chapter 16

The cloying, sickly-sweet odour hit the two shifters like a punch to the gut the moment they stepped foot inside the Swan residence. It was a nauseating aroma, one that seemed to cling to every surface and permeate the very air they breathed. No matter how many times Paul smelt it, he'd never get used to it and the fact that it was in an enclosed space didn't make it any better as it wrapped around them in a suffocating embrace.

The overpowering perfume of exotic flowers gone rotten was unmistakably that of a vampire -- a revolting stench that coated the insides of their nostrils and clung to the back of their tongues. It was distinct, entirely different from the Cullen's stink. It was awful all the same and Paul wondered how Jacob managed to hang around Bella when she bathed in Edward's scent.

"Um, Edward said the smell is more noticeable in my bedroom and the living room," Bella told them as Paul and Jacob stopped in the brunette's room to get the scent and link it to the pack.

"We can tell," Paul informed Bella dryly. He lets his stare land on her causing her to shift awkwardly. "We're not lesser than your precious Cullens."

Jacob sends a glare his way and Paul narrowly misses him when he goes to jab him in the side. Paul cocked a brow at the embarrassed girl who cleared her throat. "... right."

If it wasn't clear enough, Paul didn't like Isabella Swan in the slightest. The girl managed to attract all kinds of trouble and didn't think of the people around her who would get hurt in the crossfire. He was just glad Lucia wasn't as close with her cousin or wanted to play house with vampires for he was sure his heart would stop in his chest if she did.

The shifter wasn't entirely certain what it was about vampires that drew people in. He'd heard about their irrevocable beauty and how they used it to lure people in but the hang around the the way Bella did confused him greatly. He wouldn't dwell too much on it--rather glad that the vampires that she attracted followed her rather than his imprint. He'd never tell Lucia that though.

"We've got the scent," Jacob broke the heavy silence that settled over the room, sending a reassuring smile Bella's way in an attempt to alleviate her of the awkwardness she felt. It didn't work, however. Not when Paul was looking at her as if she scorned the earth.

Bella shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting between the two imposing shifters before her. She hated how Paul looked at her and wondered what exactly it was about him that her cousin seemed to like so much. He was short-tempered, unreasonably rude to her, and made her feel unwelcome during the two times they interacted. Clearly, Lucia had a poor choice of men.

Bella gestured anxiously towards the door, desperate to get back to Edward, who waited for her outside. "I guess you should get going then."

She wasted no time in making her exit, quickly turning and heading toward the door before the two shifters. Paul couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him, though he quickly choked on it when Jacob shot him a warning glare and delivered a sharp smack to the back of his head. Paul coughed, but the smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth refused to fade.

"I see that you and Edweirdo have a type," Paul drawled, his voice dripping with mocking amusement. "Awkward and skittish, hm?"

The burning annoyance that flashed in Jacob's eyes was unmistakable. "Shut up," he growled, turning on his heel and stalking out of the room, his footsteps echoing heavily in the charged silence.

Paul couldn't resist letting out a booming laugh as he followed after his pack brother, the sound trailing behind Jacob like a taunting echo. He couldn't help but find amusement in the way his pack brother so readily doted on the awkward human girl, following her around like a lovesick puppy, going to great lengths to try and win her affection only to be constantly overlooked and ignored. The girl had eyes only for her precious Cullen, oblivious or indifferent to Jacob's obvious adoration.

Paul wondered what would happen when Jacob finally met his destined mate -- would he continue to pine after Bella, even then? The very thought made Paul wince inwardly. That would be the most pathetic thing he could imagine. To have one's soulmate right in front of them, only to reject that bond in favour of a futile pursuit of a girl who could never truly be theirs. It was a heartbreaking scenario, and Paul hoped for Jacob's sake that he wouldn't be so stupid.

He didn't dwell on that thought for long as the soft, floral fragrance of his imprint wafted through the air, a welcome relief from the saccharine stench that had permeated the home. His wolf perked up at the smell and he found himself drawn towards the kitchen, where the gentle notes of jasmine and peony filled the air.

That's where he found Lucia packing away a fresh haul of groceries. The soft light filtering in through the kitchen window cast a warm glow over her delicate features, accentuating her beauty that had captivated him from the moment he first laid eyes on her.

Silently, he crept up behind her, snaking his muscular arms around her slender waist and pulling her back flush against his solid frame. Lucia leaned back into his touch, her body moulding effortlessly against his as she continued her task, seemingly unfazed by his sudden appearance. Paul pressed an affectionate, feather-light kiss to the delicate column of her neck, relishing the way her scent enveloped him, like a soothing balm to his senses.

"Hey, Lou," Paul mumbled against her skin, tightening his hold ever so slightly.

"Hi," Lucia replied, lifting her hand and running her fingers through her boyfriend's hair. "Not that I don't like that you're here, but what are you doing here?"

Paul paused for a moment, debating whether he should share the concerning information with Lucia. He didn't want to worry her unnecessarily, but he had a strong suspicion that Bella had neglected to mention the vampire's intrusion to her cousin. Sighing, he rested his head on Lucia's shoulder as he usually did.

"A vampire snuck into your house last night," Paul told her, his warm breath brushing against her neck. He feels Lucia tense slightly at the revelation. "The Cullen's asked for help to look out for the vampire and keep an eye on you guys."

Lucia's fingers danced across the ridges and contours of Paul's muscular torso, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. Her touch was like a gentle caress, sending tingles of electricity through his skin and leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. Paul couldn't help but shiver slightly at the sensation, his heart stumbling in his chest.

"I'm not surprised Bella didn't mention it," Lucia murmured, her voice soft and contemplative. She wasn't the least bit surprised by the revelation. Bella had a knack for keeping things from people--important things that affected the lives of those around her.

Paul gave her a reassuring smile. "Hey, don't worry about it, okay? We've got this."

Paul trailed his calloused palms up and down Lucia's sides, marvelling at the delicate curves of her figure. His touch was gentle and reverential, like a man caressing a precious jewel. He loved the way her soft, supple skin felt under his fingertips, and how she seemed to melt into his embrace.

"So, are you still coming to the bonfire on Saturday?"

Lucia's lips curved into an excited smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Of course, I'm still coming!" she replied, her tone brimming with enthusiasm. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Paul couldn't resist the urge to cup Lucia's delicate face in his large, calloused hands, a dazzling grin spreading across his features. Gazing into her captivating eyes, he leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in a tender, unhurried kiss. Lucia instantly melted into his touch, her own hands coming up to circle his neck as she returned the kiss, the corners of her mouth curving upwards in a smile.

"Yo, Paul. We gotta go," Jacob called out, breaking the two apart. Lucia couldn't help but release a soft, disappointed whimper as Paul reluctantly pulled away, his thumb gently caressing her flushed cheek.

"I'll see you tonight, okay?" Paul murmured.

Unable to resist, he leaned in once more, pressing a series of feather-light kisses to Lucia's rosy cheeks, the tip of her nose, and finally, her inviting lips. Lucia let out a soft, breathy giggle at his playful antics.

"I'll be waiting for you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she gazed up at him adoringly.

Paul's smile widened, and he pressed one final, lingering kiss to her lips before reluctantly pulling away. With a last longing look, he turned and headed towards the door, his heart swelling with love and anticipation for the evening to come.