Stay With Me

Confrontation

(Bella already knows about the wolves. She figured it out in the meadow when they chased and killed Laurent. She also knows about imprinting. Let's just say that Jake told her that when he was telling her the legends on the beach)

Bella's POV
Jake has mono? He doesn't want to see me, but I'm worried about him. Actually, I'm sitting in my truck in front of his house. I hear someone yell. I decide to get out of my truck and see who it is.
As I walk behind Jakes house I see the guys that he called Hall Monitors on Steroids. Sam Uley is at the head of the group. I walk up to them and I lose my temper. The next thing I know, I've smacked the hothead.
"Bella get back, Paul calm down NOW." Sam is very authoritative. I do as he has told me and start backing up. Paul is shaking. When he looks at me he stops. Sam has his hand out towards me, and I look at Paul.
(Bella is italicized. Paul is bold.)
I'm sorry for hitting you Paul. I shouldn't have done that, no matter how upset I was. Are you ok?
It's ok. I understand. I'm fine, is your hand ok?
He reaches out to grab my hand but Sam puts his hand on Paul's chest.
Dude, move your hand. I'm not gonna hurt her.

Back to normal quotations

Sam let's Paul move towards me. I let him grab my hand and as he inspects it one of the guys laugh.
"Damn, Bella, I've never seen him calm down so fast."
I look at the guy who spoke and frown.
"Oh, come on Bella, don't tell me you don't remember me?"
"Embry? Oh my God, Em. You cut your hair!"
"Yes, Bella, I cut my hair. Please don't hit me."
I laugh. So does everyone else. Paul hasn't let go of my hand and I really don't mind.
"Do you guys want to sit down and wait for Jake with me?"
Sam nods to the others. Paul kind of growls, but I quickly reassure him.
"Paul, I'm fine. I need to speak with Sam anyways. We will catch up with you."
Paul nods and walks away with the others.
"Bella, it's good to see you. How are you?"
"I'm ok now Sam. Look, I know what you are. Jake didn't have to tell me. I was in the field when the wolves went after Laurent. I recognized Jacobs eyes. I want to thank you for finding me that night. And for helping Jake through this."
"It's no problem, Bella. I'm just worried that Jake will lose his temper when I explain what just happened. So you should probably go home."
"No offense Sam, but I've known Jake his whole life, if anyone can explain it to him without him going all wolf on us, it's me. Plus, he needs to hear it from me."
Sam nods. I'm kind of nervous. I know that Jake has feelings for me. And if I'm being completely honest, I was starting to fall for him too. That's changed now. I love him like a brother, nothing else. Just then, Jake comes out of his house and looks at all of us.
"Does someone want to tell me who the hell imprinted on Bella?"
I frown at him.
"Jacob Ephraim Black you calm your ass down right now. And don't talk about me like I'm not here. You know he couldn't control it."
"Who is he Bella?"
I blush.
"It was Paul."
Jake growls.
"Really? Fucking Paul imprinted on you?"
"Yes Jacob. Now quit being an ass and be happy for me. Now we can still hang out."
At this, Paul growls. I look over at him and narrow my eyes. He stares at me. I cross my arms over my chest and continue to stare at him. He eventually looks away and nods at Jacob.

We have sat around with each other and talked and joked for most of the day. I look around at all the people sitting here, Jacob, Paul, Quil, Sam, Embry, and Jared, and think of just how lucky I am to have these amazing people in my life. I catch Paul's eye and mouth to him that we need to talk. He looks hurt, and angry, and scared all at the same time, but nods to me nonetheless. I smile at him to reassure him but he has already looked away.

Paul's POV
Bella just mouthed to me that we need to talk. I have a feeling this won't end well. I don't think she wants to accept the imprint. We all know that she was getting closer to Jake before this. I just want her to be happy, even if it isn't with me. I can't be selfish with her. I have to put her first. Always.

Bella POV
I stand up and stretch.
"Paul, take a walk with me."
"Um..."
"Not a request."
Everyone laughs, and Paul stands up and walks into the tree line. I look at the guys and put my hands on my hips.
"No listening in to our conversation."
I get a chorus of "awes".
I look at each of them. They all finally nod. I smile and turn around.
"Bella?"
I turn back around and look at Jake.
"Yes Jacob?"
"Be careful. He's still pretty unstable."
The guys laugh again. He looks at them and says "what". Sam answers him.
"Bella hit Paul, he started to phase, and then completely stopped. She will be fine. Plus, she's more of a hothead than Paul."
I swat the back of Sams head.
"Ow. What was that for?"
"Behave or I'll tell Emily that you stepped on a turtle and laughed."
He looked shocked.
"You wouldn't. Turtles are her favorite."
"Yes I would. And I know, we were friends once upon a time."
He shrinks back into the group and says something that should earn him another swat.
"She's scary. And not kidding."
I laugh and walk into the tree line. Paul has his back to me and is leaned up against a tree.
"I know you probably wish I hadn't imprinted on you. You wish it was Jacob right? I'm sorry. But you can refuse the imprint if you want. I won't hold it against you. I wouldn't want to be imprinted on by me either."
I laugh and he turns around. He looks hurt.
"I'm sorry for laughing but you actually think I want to refuse the imprint? Why would I do that? Yes, you are temperamental, and loud, and obnoxious sometimes, but so am I. We are perfect for each other. I don't want to refuse the imprint. Unless... Do you want to refuse it?"
Paul looks up at me. He smiles.
"Bella, no I don't want to refuse it. You've already made me a better person in just one day. I can only imagine what our life will be like together. I just want you to be happy. Even if that means you don't want to be with me."
He looks down and frowns. He looks like he is in pain again. I walk over to him and lift his face up.
"Paul look at me. I want to be with you. I wouldn't be happy with anyone but you. I wouldn't change who imprinted on me even if I could."
I smile at him and kiss his lips very lightly.
"Come on. I've got some asses to kick because THE GUYS ARE LISTENING TO OUR CONVERSATION!"
"Uh-oh. We're busted. Run!"
Of course it was Sam that said this. I laugh. Paul grabs my hand.
"I'm really glad I've got you Paul. And I'm glad I've got the rest of the pack. You all already mean so much to me."
"You mean so much to us to Bella. We love you."

So, what did you all think of the first chapter of the book. I know it's pretty short, but I'm going to try to update daily. Support and feedback is always appreciated and accepted. Thank you all. Xoxo Carrie.