Lock and Key || Paul Lahote ~ DISCONTINUED

\\ chapter 22 \\

"My point is, if you don't want to phase anymore then you can stop. No one will be mad." I say to Jesse for probably the 100th time this week.

He sighs. "But the others only accepted me because I'm part of the pack. I stop phasing and that stops." He says as he bites into his gigantic burger, spread out on his bed.

I cross my legs and swallow my mouthful before I answer. "I stopped phasing and I never stopped being a part of the pack. Not being a wolf doesn't cut the ties you have. There is always the option to go back if you want to, and the others accept you as part of this tribe, as a part of our family, no matter what. It doesn't matter if you phase or not."

He shrugs small and finishes his burger, sipping his soda. I hear Eli fuss over the monitor and I glare at it. "Not a chance, kid." I mutter - another hour and he can get up, he needs to nap.

Jesse laughs. "You're grouchy since you stopped breastfeeding."

"Ass." I throw my trash at him as I look at his room. "You could at least tidy up, moron. You aren't bedridden anymore, as much as you like to milk it."

He grins cheekily. "Carlisle says I gotta take it easy still, take it up with him."

I roll my eyes again and shake my head. "You're just pure ass lazy."

"Me? Not at all." He laughs. He sits up and collects the trash, taking it to the bin slowly. He's doing good, a lot better, but he's still sore at times; Carlisle won't let him phase for at least another few weeks. This does give me an idea, however, and I think Paul may enjoy it too.

"I have been thinking about something, I wanted your thoughts on it." I say as I lay back beside him as he settles back in bed.

"Shoot." He nods as he rests his arms behind his head and we look at the ceiling.

I glance at him. "What if we both stop phasing? I haven't phased since that day either so both of us are two weeks in, why not keep going? I'll make sure it's cool with Jake but I'm sure it will be. What do you think?"

He's silent for a moment. "What about Sam... And Embry... Theyre excited for when I cna phase again, we can bond more."

"There are other ways to bond. They're supportive of anything you choose, they always will be - they want what's best for you." I say softly.

Hes frowning still. "Can I think about it?" I nod. He glances over at me. "Is there any reason you want to stop phasing?"

I bite my cheek and shrug. "No, no. You know I'm always looking for a way out."

"Mmm nothing about another baby?" He smirks raising his eyebrow.

I blush. "How did you..."

He nods at the baby monitor. "You must've left the bedroom and nursery door open when Eli napped the other day. I heard you and Paul talking; was it hard last time?" He wonders.

I smile small. "I never intended to stop - I was helping Emily plan their wedding and it just sorta happened. Now, refraining from phasing after that was worse. It was intense - the anger that would easily disappear whenever I phased but I couldn't do that, I couldn't lose Elijah. It was enfuriating because at times it feels like you arent in control of your body, but the longer I went the easier it actually was."

"And you'd really go through that again, just to suffer pregnancy?" He jokes.

I smile. "Yeah I would, its a magical experience."

"Ugh gross." He groans and we both laugh.

I sit up as I hear Elijah stir again. "That's my que to go. Don't tell Paul we ordered from that burger place without him or I'll kick your ass." I smirk as I head back upstairs, him rolling his eyes. I go to Elijah and pick him up, kissing his head as he rubs his eyes fussing. "Okay grumpy butt, I have some pasta waiting for you downstairs." I coo as I carry him down.