MAGNOLIA ❀ P. LAHOTE

9. Jeremiah's Back

❀

"Jared!" Paul hears Magnolia squeal out the older boy's name, the sound making him want to puke.

He turns his head to see Jared entering the house, wrapping his arms around Magnolia, "How's my favorite girl?"

"Better now that you're here," She smiles excitedly.

Paul's jaw ticks in anger, but he tries his best not to let it show, knowing that he was trying to get on Magnolia's good side. The two males lock eyes and nod in greeting before Magnolia drags Jared to her room to do God knows what.

"I missed you," Magnolia pouts, laying Jared down on her bed.

"I missed you too," Jared leans up to kiss her and things get heated quickly.

It didn't take long for Paul to hear the soft moans coming from her bedroom and he abruptly stands from the table, not bothering to glance at Sam, "I'm going home," he tells his alpha and Sam nods in acknowledgement, watching as Paul gets on his bike and rushes out of the driveway.

The wind and light rain hit Paul's face like tiny daggers, washing away his constant flow of tears. He hates himself for crying—he was only in this position because of himself. She wouldn't be in the arms of another guy if it weren't for his cowardice and his anger was treacherous, easily giving away any sign of his jealousy. He was racked with guilt—every moment he spent with her was a constant reminder of his shortcomings and what was he to do? Bear it until the guilt ate him alive?

She would say yes, he knows it. 'Let it eat you alive, it's the least you could do for all the shit you've put me through', he can hear her voice in his head. No one could hold a grudge like Magnolia Clearwater - well, maybe her sister. Paul chuckles bitterly at his thoughts as he speeds up, hoping to reach his house quicker.

He was wet when he finally arrived home, parking his bike next to his mother's pick-up truck. "Mom?" Paul calls out after he enters his house, not seeing his mom in her usual spot on the couch.

"Laundry room!" He hears her voice come from the little room next to their kitchen that housed their washing machine.

"How was work?" He asks her softly.

"Work was good, was busy, made some good tips," Kate shoots a smile over her shoulder at her son before continuing to take the damp clothes out of the washer.

"Here, let me," Paul takes the heavy basket out of his mom's hands and brings it outside to hang on the clothesline. "You heard from dad yet?" He asks.

Kate shakes her head with crossed arms, "Last I heard he was getting kicked outta bars near the Hoh rez," she mutters bitterly. Paul doesn't say anything, not wanting to upset himself or his mother any further. "Dinner will be done soon, why don't you go wash up and I'll call you when it's ready," she smiles, trying to put on a brave face for him.

Paul nods his head silently, making his way to the bathroom. He takes his time taking off his clothes and turning on the water to the hottest temperature possible before stepping in. He closes his eyes, letting the scorching water heat up his skin. It wasn't much of a difference since shapeshifters run hotter than your average human, but it did soothe his sore muscles.

He couldn't get her out of his head—Magnolia. She was all he thought of twenty-four seven. He'd almost blocked all the memories of her until they imprinted on each other and then it all came racing back. Paul didn't realize how much he missed her, and her siblings, and spending time at the Clearwater residence. Harry and Sue really took him and Kate in and treated them like family and he regretted ever treating them poorly. He could blame his daddy issues and all, but his actions weren't warranted, and he knows they didn't deserve that and one day, he will apologize to them all.