Trapped in Twilight, Help!

Chapter 44

I nodded stiffly, eyes locked on the scary-buff monstrosity that was Paul Lahote.

Sam opened his mouth to say something, but Paul interrupted him by sticking his hand out to me, swallowing awkwardly, "Nice to meet you, Edythe."

I didn't look to my family as I stepped forward and shook Paul's calloused, over-sized hand that engulfed mine. "Likewise."

My stare slid back over to Sam Uley as Paul and I dropped each other's hand. "Yes, I know what imprinting is. Why?" My toes curled against the chilly air and my throat constricted.

Just say it. Just say it. Just say it. Just say it -

"I imprinted on you." Paul said, his words rushed but even. I didn't look at him, I didn't see that his big brown eyes didn't look away from my face, I didn't see the nerve that jumped in his neck with anticipation, and I most certainly didn't see the desperation in his eyes as he said it.

I could only nod, worrying my bottom lip again. What am I supposed to say to that? Thanks? Okay? That's weird? No way? Really? - I don't know. But I didn't think my reaction was appropriate either.

Everyone's eyes were on me. On Paul and I.

"We want to change the Treaty," Sam went on after a few awkward moments. "So it's more comfortable for you, Edythe, if you want to get to know Paul."

I nodded again, careful not to look at Paul - how more awkward can this day be? I mean, seriously. This wasn't the type of Friday the 13th I had in mind.

"Which changes specifically?" I asked, licking my lips.

"The Treaty line is mostly what we want to change," Sam repeated with a forced politeness. "If you want to come over to the Rez with your... family... then that's fine. But we want to be able to come here, to visit you."

"With warning," I said without a backwards glance to Carlisle. "A call or text."

Sam nodded. "With warning, we are able to cross over with warning. Of course, secrecy is promised. We won't tell anyone about you, you don't tell anyone about us. And as for biting -"

"If I want to be Changed, it's my decision." I said, lifting my chin to Sam.

Sam opened his mouth but Paul beat him to it.

"Fine." Paul's throat bobbed. "If you want to be Turned into a vampire, that's your decision. You're a Cullen. Deal. But no one else," He glared at Emmett, "If you hurt, feed on or kill anyone, we kill you."

Esme put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Of course."

Carlisle stepped around Esme and I to hold his hand to Sam. "We accept the changes to the Treaty."

Sam pressed his mouth together and shook Carlisle's hand, nodding stiffly. "We will respect the changes made to the Treaty."

*

I slipped back into the house after Carlisle and Sam agreed on the new Treaty and finalized a few details. Esme followed me in and sat next to me on the couch, neither of us spoke. What, exactly, was there to say, anyway?

"Edy?"

I looked up to see Rosalie by the TV. Outside, I had never seen her look so terrifying - she was scarier than Emmett but in here, she was my big sister Rose with her protective stance and kind eyes.

"Yeah?" I breathed, tucking my feet under me.

"I think you should talk to them." Rose took a deep breath. "Maybe not now, but you should get to know them - him. It's as important to vampires as it is to werewolves... maybe moreso to werewolves. They're more willing to give you want you want, Edy, you... you know that."

I nodded, "I know, thanks, Rose."

She didn't push the topic, thank God, just left me to myself and my thoughts, sitting next to Esme.

I didn't care that Edward could hear my thoughts when the words Paul Lahote is my soulmate shouted at me in my own head.