The Hawk Shifter (Paul Lahote x oc)

Chapter 21: Training

It was a week after graduation and we were having our first training session with the Cullens. What fun. Note the sarcasm.

Sam had given me strict orders to stay out of sight. They would probably find out about me eventually but he wanted to delay it for as long as possible.

The dinner before was very quiet and very tense. We ate quickly and headed out back to meet up with the Cullens. I flew ahead and settled in the trees. Just an innocent bird resting its wings. The pack seemed to appear out of the mist that had formed. The Cullens looked up as they approached.

"They don't trust us enough to be in their human forms." The mind reader translated.

"They came. That's all that matters." The platinum haired one said. "Can you translate?" It wasn't really a question.

"They want to know how the newborns differ from us."

"They are a great deal stronger because their own human blood lingers in them." He paused for a second. "Jasper has experience fighting newborns." He stepped aside and a golden haired guy stepped up.

"Carlisle's right. That's why they're created. A newborn army doesn't need thousands like a human army. But no human army can stand against them." He had a slight Texan accent. No wonder he's the only one who has experience with these things. He's from Texas. "The two most important things to remember are: never let them get their arms around you, they will and crush you. Second: never go for the obvious kill. They will be expecting that and you will lose." He stalked to the clearing. "Emmett" he called. The buff leach followed him smirking. They spared while we watched. At the end the pack each took turns getting to know the leaches sent and I stayed hidden in the trees. Once the training was over we headed back. Once we all shifted back and they got dressed me and Paul headed back to his place. I practically live there now.

"So did you like the training?" I asked Paul as he drove.

"It was fine. A little boring but fine." He replied. "What about you. Little miss spy."

"First: I'm not a spy. Second: I thought it was fine. Since Sam told me to stay hidden and the stuff he is teaching you relates mainly to land creatures and not creatures of the sky, I don't really know how to help with the battle."

"You could just be surveillance like you were with the red head."

"But I want to help."

"That is helping." He pulled into his driveway and put the car in park.

"You know what I mean." I sighed. "You guys are risking your lives and I'm flying above just watching for something that you could do without." I press my head against the back of the head rest.

He sighed. "You can talk to Sam if you want but I think that flying above is really going to help."

"Of course you do." I grumbled as I unbuckled and climbed out of the car. 'Over protective puppy.' I thought.

'Heard that.' He thought back. I rolled my eyes and unlocked then opened the front door.

"You're only saying that because it is the safest option and you don't want me anywhere near the fight."

He closed the door behind him and we made our way upstairs. "Are you getting mad at me for caring for you?" He asked. I couldn't tell if he was in a joking mood or if he was getting angry.

"No. I'm getting upset because you don't think I can handle myself against a newborn." I turned on him as we got into his room.

He closed the door. "I never said that." He was definitely starting to get angry.

"You didn't have too." I shot back.

"What makes you think that I don't think that you are capable of handling yourself against a newborn. Because we both know that you are more than capable of defending yourself." His voice was starting to rise.

"You want me to stay out of the fight." My voice was starting to rise as well.

"I want you to stay out of the fight because I care about you!" He shouted. "I don't know what I would do if I lost you or if you got hurt. I know you can handle yourself but I'm going to worry and if there is any risk of you getting injured or dying I don't want you to be a part of it." He was shaking now.

"You don't think I feel the same way. Every time you have patrol without me I worry that you might not come back." My eyes were starting to water. "You think I want you anywhere near that army? If there was a way for you to not be a part of this I would do anything for that." Tears started slipping down my cheeks.

He sighed and pulled me in for a hug. I buried my face in his chest. "I know you don't want me to get hurt. I would do anything for you to not be a part of this either. That is why I am suggesting that you act as surveillance. It's not because I don't think you can handle yourself, I know you can. It's because I don't want to see you get hurt." He kissed my head. "Why don't we get some rest and you can talk to Sam in the morning. Yeah?" I peered up at him.

"Yeah."

We silently took turns using the bathroom to change and do our nightly routine. But the time we were both settled in his bed it was well past midnight.

"You know I love you right?" He asked.

"I know. I love you too."

"Good." He kissed my lips and settled down with me in his arms.

"Good night." He mumbled.

"Good night." I muttered back as I fell into a dreamless sleep.