Dangerous Woman ▷ Paul Lahote

EIGHT

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EIGHT; NEW ADDITION

     JACOB COULD SENSE the vampire from miles away. The smell was distinct in his new senses, but when he started to stand, Sam's hand was pushing him back down.

     "That's Mia. You can relax," he said calmly. Jacob's eyes widened. Mia? As in Amelia Cullen? As in the girl who Bella was talking to at prom?

     "Hello, I'm here." The vampire stepped in through the door, and Jacob was immediately on high alert. Everyone was standing around him, waiting for his reaction. Jacob was ready to attack until he saw Paul walk over, a smirk painted on his lips as he pressed a kiss to hers.

     "Took you long enough," he grunted. "I missed you."

     She smiled and laughed. "You're so clingy."

     "Will someone explain to me what the hell is going on?" Jacob demanded, suddenly furious that Paul was kissing the enemy. He was kissing the creature that caused Jacob to phase in the first place. He was kissing the creature that considered herself a part of the Cullen family — the main reason of Bella's sorrow over the past few months. "Why are you kissing that bloodsucker?"

     Paul released a menacing growl. "You watch your words around my girlfriend, Black. Say that word again and I'll knock you out."

     "Girlfriend?" Jacob felt like he was dreaming again. First, there was shapeshifting. Then, Paul was kissing the mutant responsible for Jacob's worst fears.

     Despite the insult, Amelia stepped forward, smile plastered on her face. "It's a pleasure to formally meet you, Jacob. I have to thank you for taking care of Bella these past few months. I must apologize for the actions of my brother, Edward."

     When Amelia realized all she was going to receive from him was a cold glare, she dropped her hand back to her side.

     Sam wasn't pleased by Jacob's lack of manners. He could tell Paul was losing his temper. "Amelia is Paul's imprint, Jacob. She's here so that you understand she's one of us."

     Jacob scoffed. "One of us? She's nothing but-"

     "My imprint," Paul declared, taking a step forward. His voice dropped a few octaves. "My girlfriend, the love of my life. Imprints are family, and Amelia is surely a part of ours just as much as you are, asshole."

     "It's alright, Paul," Amelia whispered, hand gripping his bicep. Paul visibly relaxed. "He doesn't understand quite yet."

     "You're damn right I don't understand!" Jacob yelled, fist slamming on the table. "How can you sit here and explain to me that the vampires are our enemy, and let one walk through your house like it's nothing, Sam? Especially when this one claims to be related to the person who hurt Bella!"

     Amelia was now murmuring soft words in Paul's ear to calm him down. He was shaking with rage at the words leaving Jacob's mouth, no longer patient with the new addition to the pack.

     "It's alright, I'm fine," she soothed, rubbing his back. "Come with me outside. Let's get some fresh air."

     Amelia was lucky she was strong, for hauling Paul out the door proved to require much effort. Once the couple had disappeared, Sam looked down at Jacob with frustration. "How many times do I have to explain this to you? Yes, Amelia is a Cullen and a vampire. As far as I'm concerned, she's done nothing to make us think of her as a threat. She's actually calmed Paul's temper tantrums and has been a great help around this house. You will apologize when they return, Jacob, and you will treat Mia with respect."