✓ | DESOLATE, paul lahote ¹

chapter nine

CHAPTER NINE

In a sudden display of panic, Serena snapped out of her realization and leaped to her feet, putting distance between herself and Paul. A strained cry caught in her throat, threatening to break free, as his intense gaze followed her every move.

"No!" she choked out, her voice trembling. Paul knew exactly what had just happened, and in a split second, he was on his feet, sensing the enormity of their new circumstance.

"Serena," Paul tried to reach out, seeking to hold her, but he was interrupted by a vehement outburst.

"No!" Serena snapped, her voice trembling with anguish. "This can't be happening. It can't!" Her chest tightened, and her palms grew clammy as the weight of the situation sank in.

Frustration surged through Paul as he attempted to reason with her. "Serena, you know I can't control it—I can't. You know that I had no choice!"

She cut him off abruptly, her voice strained with incredulity. "You leave me, and then this happens all of a sudden? No! It can't be!" She protested angrily, her gaze sharp as she retorted back at him.

Paul bristled with frustration, unable to contain his rising tone. "I can't help it!"

She shot back, her own volume rising. "Well, I can do something about it!" she retorted, her determination clear. "And I absolutely refuse to be a part of it!"

Paul felt the sting of rejection as she stepped away, his hand reaching out for her in silent plea.

"Please, Serena, don't," he implored.

She shot back, her voice filled with anger, "No, you left me—and now it's my turn," a bitter edge to her words.

He stood motionless, frozen by the harshness of her statement.

Serena's heart ached as the weight of her words sunk in.

She felt her own pain as she spoke, knowing that she would have rather said the opposite. The recent realization of this imprinting would not magically fix their current problems.

Paul pleaded desperately, his voice laden with despair. "Serena, please...please don't walk away. I can't lose you."

She clenched her fist, biting her lip to suppress the rush of emotions, the pain of his plea mingling with the need to have some space to adjust to this unexpected twist.

The silence that filled the night air grew more profound, the weight of their unspoken words hanging heavily between them. She averted her gaze, unable to meet his eyes, torn between the hurt he had caused and the imprinting that now bound them.

Paul's desperate plea echoed through the stillness, but she remained stoic, silently grappling with her emotions and the need to distance herself from the situation.

The air was thick with tension, both of them immersed in their own thoughts and feelings, waiting to see what the other would do next.

With a newfound resolve, she knew she had the right to make him feel even a hint of the pain she had endured back then.

"Rachel, Jacob! We're leaving!" Serena shouted, her voice cutting through the tense silence.

She directed her gaze away from Paul, watching her siblings and the pack exit in response to her sharp command.

"What's going on?" Rachel inquired, walking briskly over to Serena, with Jared following closely behind.

It took a moment for the Pack to understand the situation, and Jacob's expression shifted to a mix of anger. However, Serena seized his arm quickly, halting his reaction. "We're leaving... now!" she asserted harshly, firmly holding onto her brother's arm.

Rachel bid farewell to Jared before joining Serena in the car, while Jacob was already seated, visibly seething with anger, yet too preoccupied with concern for Serena to transform.

The remaining members of the Pack stood in their spot, observing as the Black siblings drove away, their expressions tinged with sympathy.

Paul lingered behind, the palpable pain hanging in the air.

Sam stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Paul's shoulder, offering solace. "Give her some time, alright?" he urged gently.

Paul let out a defeated sigh, his voice cracking with vulnerability as he spoke, "She rejected me, Sam." The pain and hurt laced every syllable.

Sam responded with a gentle yet firm tone, acknowledging Paul's pain.

"No, she didn't just reject you entirely. The power would have been overwhelming, leaving you struggling to even talk or function. I understand the suffering of being on the receiving end, but that doesn't mean you should give up hope. You once shared love, and let's be honest; the imprinting only heightened the connection between you two." Paul looked at Sam, his sigh heavy with resignation.

Paul nodded, appreciating Sam's words of encouragement. "You're right, Sam. I know we had something strong between us, and I understand the imprinting intensified it. But what about her reaction? How can we bridge that distance?" he asked earnestly, genuine concern etched on his face.

Sam pondered for a moment, considering Paul's question. "It's a valid point, Paul. Her reaction was normal, and it's important to address it. We need to take a step back, let the dust settle, and approach things with patience. Maybe she needs some time to process everything, just like we did." Sam offered a sharp response.

Paul resolved firmly, his voice resolute. "No more running—no more being cowardly."

Sam nodded in agreement, emphasizing the gravity of this moment. "Paul, make things right this time. This second chance will be your last opportunity to set things right."

Paul absorbed Sam's words, taking the seriousness of the situation to heart. He knew that this chance was precious, and he was determined not to waste it.

"I understand, Sam," Paul responded earnestly. "I won't run away this time. I'll make things right, and this will be the last chance I'll get."

Jared approached, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "Just keep it together, Paul. If you mess up again, Rebecca will return from Hawaii, and Rachel will be furious. I'll support her every step of the way. And Jake and Billy won't hesitate to confront you."

Paul shot a weary glance at Jared, sensing the irony behind his friendly banter. "Thanks for rubbing salt in the wound," he replied sarcastically.

Jared chuckled lightly at Paul's exasperated expression. "Just looking out for you, man," he countered, his tone playful.

Paul rolled his eyes, though a corner of his lips tugged at a reluctant smile. "Sure, sure. Your concern is touching," he retorted sarcastically.