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volturiwolf · 2 years

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Road Rage - A Paul Lahote x fem!Reader Imagine

Tagging (from previous Paul story): @xxx-wounded-angel-xxx @chocolatechipcookiesandcamembert @florence-end @emmy1148 @ilove-bts @crazyacegirl @emerald-jade1 @lahoete @navs-bhat @aquanova99

I was driving down the provincial roads of Washington, going towards La Push, where my friend, Nessie, and her family were waiting for me. “Immortale” by Måneskin was bursting through my rental car, which Nessie had arranged for me, as I was hitting the steering wheel in the rhythm of the song. I loved that song so much, I was singing it at the top of my lungs - at least, the parts I knew how to say.

(Y/N)’s POV

“Credimi, credimi, sono diventato immortale (Believe me, believe me, I became immortal).”

I was tired after flying for 20 hours and having to drive for another 4, but this song always brought my mood up. That, and the fact that I managed to sleep plenty of hours through the flights. I was counting down the hours until I reached La Push. It was Nessie’s birthday tomorrow, and she had invited me over to spend a few weeks with her and her family.

Nessie and I met when she came to my university as a study abroad student. At first, she only planned to stay here for a semester, but that turned into two semesters - the maximum time study abroad students were allowed to stay there. I was heartbroken when she had to go back home, but she had promised me she’ll do anything to meet again.

I didn’t know what it was with Nessie - or Renesmee, as she was officially named. She was such a fun person to be around. She made everyone feel welcome and happy, and she was probably the easiest person to get along with. She was up for anything, but she was also the most responsible out of everyone, kind of like the mom in our small group of her, me, and my four other friends.

I was getting more and more excited the closer I got to La Push, though I still had to drive within the required speed limits. It was really difficult to estimate the kilometers to miles, and thankfully the car was already in miles, but it was still difficult to keep up with the speed limits around here. The US was really strict with the speed limits, which I never experienced before, but better to be safe than sorry. I didn’t want to get deported or something, so I drove much slower than I usually did.

I liked driving fast, testing the car’s limits, as well as my own, and kind of brag about my driving to others. I liked driving fast, but I was also extremely cautious, and these two often clashed with each other. I would sometimes hate slow drivers, and other times I would wish other drivers drove more slowly. Unfortunately, I had terrible road rage in either case.

Fortunately, I was aware of where I could drive fast, and where I had better drive slowly and carefully. And these narrow, provincial roads were not made for speeding. They were steep from the constant rain, and they had too many turns to count - the very opposite of a road to speed on.

That, however, did not stop the asshole that was following me from almost bumping onto my car, speeding beyond my own comprehension, and almost colliding with the back of my car. Said asshole was flashing his car’s lights and honking at me as if any of these would actually make me go any faster. I was driving for over three and a half hours, just to come across this ass in the last 20 minutes of my driving.

The man kept honking and trying to scare me into speeding or moving over so he could run past me. I was a bigger asshole than he was and my anger rose rapidly as it usually did, so I stepped gently on my brakes, forcing him to step hard on his before he decided that enough was enough.

He stepped on his gas, and, with an abrupt movement, ran past me, before cutting me off and then speeding off like the ass he was. I sent a lovely open palm on his side, cursing him, and continued driving. My heart was beating fast all this time - a mix of fear and adrenaline, and I was slowly trying to calm myself down, but my hands were still shaking.

“Just a few more minutes, (Y/N). Just a few more minutes.”

I was trying to calm myself down, as I was known for getting too angry too quickly, and now, it was not the time for that. I had to remain calm and collected. It was Nessie’s birthday after all, and I didn’t want to ruin everything because of a random asshole. It would be the first time I met her family and friends, and I wanted to leave a good impression, not be the angry ass around here.

I reached the address she had given me after a few minutes. The house seemed small and old, slightly worn out by the rain and humidity, but the location, being slightly away from other houses around the area, offered peace and quiet. It wasn’t a place I would have imagined Nessie would be staying - she dressed too expensive, and spent a lot of money, at least when she was a study abroad.

“(Y/N)!” Ness ran up to me the second I walked out of my car. “I’m so happy you’re finally here! I missed you so much!” Nessie’s embrace was so tight and overwhelming, but warm and welcoming.

I took a step back to look at her. She hadn’t changed at all. She had the same sweet face, wavy curls, and bright smile as she always did.

“It’s nice to see you, too, Nessie. I missed you, too.” I answered back wholeheartedly, but the look on my face did not match my sincerity.

“Hey, boo, what happened? You don’t seem happy to be here.” Ness furrowed her eyebrows, looking at me worriedly.

“Well.. Can I vent to you a bit?”

“Of course, you can. Come on, let’s go inside and you can tell me everything.” She took my hand in hers, and she led me into the house.

The same house that looked old and worn out on the outside was nothing like its interior. It was so warm and welcoming, beautifully decorated with warm, earthly colors, and was actually much bigger than it looked from the outside. Ness sat me down on one of the couches in the living room.

“Now, tell me, what’s got you so upset?” She smiled encouragingly.

“Well, someone almost crashed on my car. I was driving slow, not just because of the police, but, you know, the roads were steep and I was scared. He came behind me. He was running really fast, and he kept honking and flashing his lights. And I got scared, but you know me, I wouldn’t just let this asshole do whatever he wants. So, I stepped on my brakes, he stepped on his. He was really mad, he moved past me, and cut me off. He almost sent me off-road! So, I just showed him my open palm as he drove away. I still feel the adrenaline and the fear run through me. It felt like a near-death experience.”

Ness was looking at me shocked. “Because it was! (Y/N), you have to be careful around here. Did you, at least, notice his face or anything? Do you remember his car, his car plate?”

“Well, I did notice him in my mirror. He was…handsome, but an asshole nonetheless.”

“I’m sorry for that, sweety. I hope you are better now. Would you like to meet the rest of my family?”

“I thought you said your actual family would be away for the week.”

“Well, yeah, but I mean my La Push family; Brady and his family and friends. We’ll have dinner at Emily and Sam’s place. They’re like our mom and dad, even though they do have their own kids.”

“Oh, do you go there often?”

“Well, pretty much every day. Or every other day. Emily is the sweetest and her cooking is amazing. Brady and the others are already there.”

“The others? How many more are there?”

“Well, apart from Brady, Sam, and Emily, there are Jared and Kim, Leah and Angela, Seth and Daniel, Quil and Claire, Embry and Laura, Collin and Diana, and Jacob and Christine. Oh, there is also Paul, but I’m not sure if he’ll come. Everyone told him to be there, but you never know with him.”

“So, there will be just couples?” That made me nervous. I was definitely going to be left out.

“Oh, no, don’t worry. Even if Paul, who’s the only single, won’t come, we’ll still stay together. You won’t be alone. And the girls are amazingly sweet. You’ll see. Now, go get changed and ready for dinner. I’ll be waiting right here.” Ness took me to - I assumed - a guest room and gently pushed me in, closing the door behind me.

She had left some underwear and a red, long-sleeved dress with a deep V-neck on the bed for me to wear. I sighed sadly; I hated wearing dresses, and Ness knew that, but she may have had a reason to do so. Without questioning her intentions further, I went into the small bathroom and got myself cleaned quickly. I came out 10 minutes later and got dressed and ready within a few minutes. I met Nessie back in the living room.

“Wow, (Y/N)! You should definitely wear dresses more often. It looks beautiful on you.”

I turned around to look at myself in the mirror. Sure, it looked good but it was not as comfortable as my jeans and t-shirt. “I’m just doing it for you, Ness.”

“Mmh, sure, hun. Let’s go. The others will start eating without us.”

We walked outside and got into Nessie’s Volvo SUV Hybrid. Now, that was a car I knew Nessie would drive, ‘cause I knew she loved luxury. Ness was way more comfortable speeding through the narrow roads than I was, and yet she never crossed the other lane once.

Within a few minutes, we were in front of a house similar to Nessie’s, though this one was a two-floor house and it was literally surrounded by trees and woods. There were ten other cars in front of the house, which I assumed belonged to the people waiting in the house for us. Ness parked behind a truck and we exited her car.

“Everyone seems to be here, except for Paul, but it’s okay. I’ll be by your side, so you don’t feel uncomfortable. But I’m sure you will quickly feel at home. Everyone is very welcoming and kind.”

Nessie’s smile encouraged me and calmed me down a bit. I didn’t know what to expect coming here to this new place, meeting these new people who were already a big family. We walked up the porch stairs to the house. Most people were sitting in the front living room, with the exception of a woman and a man walking around in the kitchen, still preparing food and setting up the table.

“Hey, guys! This is my friend, (Y/N), that I told you about. She’ll be staying with Brady and me for a few weeks. (Y/N), these are my friends that I told you about.”

I greeted every single one of them before Ness led me to the kitchen. “(Y/N), this is Emily and this is Sam. They kind of are like a mom and dad to me, so I usually call them my parents, though they’re not too much older than I am.”

“Hello, Emily, Sam. It’s nice finally meeting you.”

“Hi, sweetheart.” Emily hugged me tightly, and I could feel all of my stress washing away. “How are you? I bet you had a long and tiring trip. Are you hungry? Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”

“Yeah, well, it was long for sure. 20 hours flying, 4 hours driving. It was…something else. I am a bit hungry, thank you.” I chuckled.

“Nessie, get (Y/N) to sit down in the meantime. Everything will be ready in a few minutes.”

“Where are the kids, anyway?” Ness wondered, and I remembered she mentioned Sam and Emily having children.

“Oh, they're up in the Macah rez for a few days. It’s not often we have guests around, and the kids haven’t seen my parents for a while now, so I thought that it would be a good time for everyone. Go sit down now.” Emily gently pushed us towards the living room.

Ness went straight into her boyfriend’s, Brady, arms, and they leaned on each other. I went to sit nearby, looking around at all the happy couples, sitting in the living room, embracing one another. I felt like a fish out of water, being the only had around who had no one to hug and lay down next to or on. I felt awkward, to say the least.

Ness broke the silence. “So, where is Paul anyway?”

“He needed to break off some steam. Apparently, he got road rage again. But Sam told him he has to be here, so he will come eventually” A guy, I think his name was Embry, answered back.

“What’s new, really?” Another guy commented, and everyone around laughed.

I didn’t know who Paul was yet, but he sounded like an angry guy for sure. Looking at all the people around me, I didn’t know if I would like to cross paths with him. It wasn’t that I wasn’t someone who got angry too quickly for no reason, but at least, I didn’t want to have to deal with someone who acted the same way as I did. Calm people brought me calmness, and I preferred to be surrounded by them rather than people who were similar to me.

“Well, speaking of road rage, someone almost crashed into (Y/N) on her way here.”

“What? How? Who?” A girl asked upset.

“I don’t really know. Some guy. I was driving slow because I was scared, I didn’t know the roads, and I wasn’t going to drive too fast around here. And then this guy comes speeding behind me and he almost crashed into my car. I slowed the car and he got angrier, so he drove past me and almost threw me off the road.”

“That’s terrible, sweety. Are you okay now?” Emily asked concerned, now standing across from me.

“Yeah, don’t worry about it. Everything is fine now.” I smiled at her, slightly moved that she showed so much interest and cared for me.

The next few minutes went by with everyone talking, asking me questions, and commenting on my answers. Overall, they were really nice people, and I saw why Ness was so happy to be around them. They didn’t make me feel nervous or anxious; on the contrary, they made me feel very calm and I could easily open up to them, though there seemed to be something they hid from me, which I wouldn’t question them about, at least not yet.

The conversation was interrupted by a guy entering the house with heavy steps. He looked frustrated at something, as he went to sit alone at the dining table in the kitchen. Everyone turned to look at him, but no one dared to say anything, as if they knew better than to irritate him even more.

It was only when he turned around to ask why nobody had eaten yet that I recognized who he was. The man looked around everyone until his eyes fell on me. He looked at me shocked, almost as if he froze in his place, unable to say anything else.

I felt my eyes almost popping off, as I turned to Nessie and whispered. “Ness, that’s the one who almost threw me off the road earlier.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Paul’s POV

I was literally fuming. I was driving towards Emily and Sam’s place for the dinner Emily was preparing for Nessie’s friend who would be arriving in town today. She would be staying at Nessie and Brady’s house for a few weeks, and Nessie asked us to be as discreet as we could about the shifting thing around her. Not that I would be around her or the others as much; I didn’t like these big gatherings anymore.

Everyone was hanging out with their imprints, and I would be the only one who had been and will be alone, so after some time, I started ditching all these meetings and dinners. I would have ditched tonight as well if it weren’t for Sam forcing me to come along. I was already angry, but I was trying to control my anger, so as to not risk exposing our secret to Nessie’s friend later.

But I was running late, and I was already pretty angry about it, thinking every complaint the others would make the second I arrived there. To add to my anger, there was a car in front of me driving so slow, it almost made me crawl out of my skin. The driver, a woman, was driving too slow for my liking as if she had never driven here before. I couldn’t help myself when she refused to speed up.

I started honking and flashing my car’s lights at her, hoping that she’d wake up and step on the gas a bit. She looked me through the mirror, angry but smirked a bit, before stepping on her brakes, forcing me to step on mine to not crash with her car. Not caring if Chief Swan or any camera caught me, I stepped on my gas, driving quickly past her car, and cutting her off by stepping on my brakes.

She looked at me angrily, shouting but I couldn’t hear her, before I sped up once again, leaving the bitch behind. My heart was beating fast with anger, and I couldn’t force myself to calm down, no matter how much I tried. I changed the course of my route, going to my house instead. I quickly sent a message to the pack group chat, letting them know what happened, before I ran towards the woods, bursting out of my clothes, and running.

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I had been running for about half an hour before I decided that I was calm enough - not completely, but enough - to go by Emily and Sam’s for dinner. I quickly went back to my house, took a quick shower, threw some clean clothes on me, and hopped in my car, driving towards the house where everyone had been waiting for me.

Reaching the driveway, I parked beside the last car that was parked there, which happened to belong to Nessie. I stepped out of my car and jogged towards the house, stepping in with heavy steps. Everyone was already sitting in the front living room, talking with each other, until I stepped into the house which made everyone stop and turn to look towards me, as I walked towards the kitchen and sat on a chair at the dining table.

“Why hasn’t anyone eaten yet?” I looked around at the familiar faces before my eyes fell on the most beautiful creature I had ever met.

And then, the world around me stopped, and I could not focus on anything but her. It felt as if the whole world narrowed around me, and that girl was in the center of the new world that was created around me. I was looking at her bright eyes that shone under the sun, her perfect skin, her perfect face. I could see our whole life pass before me. I could hear her gurgling laugh, and see her eyes twinkle. It was the most beautiful and breathtaking spectacle I had ever seen in my whole life.

And then I came back to reality. Everyone was looking at me shocked, as the girl looked confused, being the only one around here who did not know what had just happened to me. Nessie, who looked shocked at first, quickly grew frustrated, leaving Brady’s side, as she came towards me and pushed me off of my chair.

“Are you serious, Paul? You almost threw her off-road, and now…this?!” Her eyes were popping, full of anger and disbelief.

I didn’t understand what she meant by that, until I looked back at the girl, letting Nessie’s word sink in. And then, I realized that it was the same girl I almost bumped into with the car; the same girl I was honking and flashing my lights at; the same girl I almost…killed? All because of the anger that took me over.

I stood up, walking slowly towards her, unsure of how she felt. “Hey. I’m… I’m really sorry. I have no idea what’s gotten into me at that moment. I’m really sorry for everything.”

I saw her gulping. “It’s okay.” Her voice was trembling.

“No, (Y/N), it’s not okay. He could have gotten you killed! For no reason!” Nessie spat.

So, her name was (Y/N). Her name flattered my insides and made me want to melt from all the attraction I was feeling for her right now.

“Nessie…” Brady silently begged his imprint to calm down.

“No, Brady, he should feel guilty. You almost killed her. My best friend!” Nessie looked at me. “Your imprint!” She barely whispered, so only the pack and I could hear.

“Nessie, please don’t give it any more time than it already has. It’s fine. I’m okay. Nothing happened. What’s done is done. Yelling and arguing about it won’t change anything, so just let it go.” (Y/N) tried to calm her friend down, but I could only hear her soft voice in my ears.

I felt incredible shame and guilt. Even if she wasn’t my imprint, I only now realized I could have actually killed a human because of my anger. I had never been like that. But my day was terrible - I had to stay longer at the mechanic shop I was working at, because of a customer arriving at the last minute, and I was already late for dinner. However, that was no excuse for my behavior.

I slowly walked towards (Y/N), feeling so guilty. I leaned in front of her and took her hand in my own hands. She looked at me shocked, and I could feel she was getting uncomfortable, but I had to do this.

“I’m really sorry, (Y/N), honestly. I don’t know what’s gotten into me and I acted like an asshole. I never meant to scare you or even dare to kill you. I would have never imagined you were so important to m…Nessie. I’m really sorry for my behavior. It was inexcusable. I hope you can forgive me and we can start over.” I let go of her hand, and stood up, extending my hand toward her. “Hey, nice to meet you. I’m Paul, Paul Lahote. The hothead around, and probably the biggest asshole you could ever meet.”

(Y/N)’s shocked face was immediately replaced by a smirk and a chuckle, as she shook my hand. “Hi, Paul. Nice to meet you, too. I’m (Y/N), (Y/N) (Y/L/N). As much as it doesn’t show right now, I’m the hothead around my own family, and probably a bigger asshole than you are.”

“I hope you can still forgive me.” I smile slightly at her, not knowing how she felt about me.

“That may take some time, Paul, but I can definitely try.”

I was going to work my ass off for (Y/N) to forget and prove to her that I can become the best man she had ever met.

#paul lahote #paul lahote imagine #paul lahote x reader #paul lahote x fem!reader #the twilight saga #twilight saga #twilight #twilight renaissance #sam uley #jared cameron #embry call #jacob black #quil ateara #brady fuller #collin littlesea #renesmee cullen #Spotify

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written-within-the-stars · 2 years

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Hallmark and Ice Cream - Together

❁ Collin ❁

“She may be a nerd… but she’s my favourite nerd!”

❁ Harper ❁

“Who are you declaring this too exactly?”

❁ Collin ❁

“The whole wide world, Sunshine” Smiles. “If that’s okay with you?”

❁ Harper ❁

Eyebrows shooting up. “Sunshine?” Smiling. “I mean if the sentiment must be shared, it should be with all or nothing.”

❁ Collin ❁

“Oops!! Sorry I forgot you prefer Buttercup.“ cheeky smirk!

❁ Harper ❁

Looking shocked at him. “I didn’t know you if it in you to be mean.”

❁ Collin ❁

“I am never mean! But if you need a hug I’m happy to help.” Smiles and opens up my arms to her.

❁ Harper ❁

Waiting for my heartbeat to slow. "There is the foolish partner in crime I hopeful for." smiling and stepping into his arms. "Hi."

❁ Collin ❁

Smiling as she came into the circle of my arms. “Hey there.” Wrapping my arms around her. “What crimes have you got planned for us today?”

❁ Harper ❁

Placing my hands on his lower back, leaning back so to see his eyes. “Me? You mean as the master mind of all the crimes? So many. It starts with ice cream.”

❁ Collin ❁

“I like the way you think Dr Jenkins!” pressing a kiss to her forehead and giving her a gentle squeeze before pulling back to take her hand. “Lead the way.”

❁ Harper ❁

Smiling I closed my eyes, feeling those butterflies coming to life in his arms and with the sweet kiss. Squeezing him right back. I pulled back walking backwards, hand in hand. “I didn’t even need to twist your arm Mr Littlesea.”

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled and gave her a smile... My fingers lacing between hers. "You could ask me to muck out stables with you and I would happily tag along... but ice cream? I mean... who could say no?"

❁ Harper ❁

Halting my eyes wild with the possibility. “This is even an option? It would be an abuse of our friendship. At last with the ice cream there is something sweet at the end of the road.” Tugging him to follow me to the small dinner.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed... "See now you're just making me look bad! I use any excuse I could to spend time with you... but here you are being kind and sweet taking me for Ice cream." I narrowed my eyes playfully. "You really are a criminal genius."

❁ Harper ❁

Laughing softly, turning to face the right way around. Walking in step with him now. “See if I were one of those, you would think all this was your plan. Hens I’m just a girl out for some ice cream, with amazing company.”

❁ Collin ❁

Damn... how the hell did I get this lucky. "Oh really? So, mind games are your speciality?" I chuckled. "I'll watch out for that." I knew there wasn't a deceitful bone in this woman's body. "You know you still owe me one of those hallmark movies of you too? Something tells me would pair very well with ice cream." Chancing turning this little encounter into something like a date.

❁ Harper ❁

“Mind games?” Shaking my head, then pushing the frame of my glasses up my nose. “Unless you are willing to remind me what the plan was. Because I kind of forget half way in.” It was why the girls loved playing cards with me. I always got distracted with work thoughts.

Frowning a little. “I do? Oh… I Do!” My free hand darting up to cover my mouth. “Are you sure you wish to do this? Once you are in, there is no way out. Hallmark will hold on to you.” Smiling at the thought is us curled on my Emerald green couch, eating ice cream and watching movies.

❁ Collin ❁

I swallowed, pressing my lips together to try and keep from smiling too wide. It was just too cute when she did that. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see, won't we? Because the second you see a shark fly out of a tornado you are gonna be hooked too!" I laughed, squeezing her hand gently where it fit into mine.

"So, what do you say? Spontaneous date night, or are you going to feed me ice cream and leave me to wonder about this guilty pleasure of yours? Carefully think Dr Jenkins. What would one of your leading ladies do?" I tapped chin comically

❁ Harper ❁

Letting my head fall forward a little, the soft sound of laughter engulfing as I shook my head and pushed my hair back out of my way.

“How could I possibly say not to it now? I mean we are talking Hallmark and flying sharks.” I remembered that we spoke about our likes and dislikes. His were B movies about a shake.

My eyes dropped of our hands, the way his gentle held mine.

“I believe one of my leading girls would say it was a mistake and run, only to have her best friend at work tell her she was foolish, and she should call the cute guy.”

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed. "See... You're hooked on my guilt on my guilty pleasure. But don't worry, I promise I won't let you get addicted and forget your Hallmark roots. Though after you're first one... it will become my full-time job to make sure you hold onto your first love." Dammit!!! Why were my only settings stuttering like a fool or rambling like a fool? Where was the happy medium?

I looked over my shoulders like I was looking for someone. "Damn? There's a cute guy? I was hoping to land the lead in this one!" I joked.

❁ Harper ❁

“So sure, of your guilty pleasure? However, what if mine consumes you? We will have to move onto musicals.”

My cheeks flushed, what was wrong with me? Talking to him was so easy, that at times I didn’t think about what I was saying.

Pushing the rim of my frame up my nose. turning to look in the same direction, uncertain what we were looking for, I laughed covering my face.

“Okay, would you like me to lock Teddy up so you have a clean run?”

❁ Collin ❁

"Well, if it does... I guess I'm going to need a good tour guide." I smiled at her, still keeping pace next to her. I gave a small chuckle... "Wow! Offering to rig the game in my favour? Must mean you kinda like me then?"

Crap! that last but wasn't meant to sound like a question.

❁ Harper ❁

I would have stumbled over my feet if I hadn’t stopped walking and turning myself into his warm body.

“I didn’t know that was still a question that needed to be answered? I don’t go allowing just anyone into my Hallmark obsession.”

Had I not made it clear that I liked him?

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled and untwined my fingers from hers to pull open the door of the diner. "There's no harm in making sure every now and again, right? I smiled. "You might have noticed I have a very bad habit of putting my for in my mouth."

❁ Harper ❁

Biting the corner of my lips, I let his hand go.

“You happen to be right, there is absolutely nothing wrong in checking in.”

Bowing my head slightly as a thank you, I stepped into the diner. Making my way to the counter instead of finding us a table this time.

“Now, here is the true question… do you like a pint of the same ice cream, or do you ask for a mix a different flavour?”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled and whispered for only her to hear when she passed through the door. "I kinda like you too, doctor." but my smile said it was a whole lot more than just kinda.

I chuckled. "That is a trick question!" I wagged my finger at her. "When it's for dessert... it depends on what you're having for dinner. But when it's ice cream for the sake of ice cream... then you have to get a little of everything."

❁ Harper ❁

My heart fluttered once more. ( it did that a lot these past few weeks. )

Seeing his smile… Hearing his whisper, and then those words registering and then the meaning. I should be running. Bags packed and into my car, half way to Seattle maybe? However, I was here buying ice cream for an unplanned date night.

‘If someone doesn’t marry you soon, I will!’ My head jolted up and towards the sound of the voice. My lips curling up into a deep smile as I saw the older of them waitresses from the diner waiting to see what we came in for.

‘I’m guessing you are both looking for some ice cream to take away?’

She laughed at seeing my blushing cheeks. ‘Oh darling, you are so cute.’ Which made my cheeks burn even more.

❁ Collin ❁

The sound of her heart made mine speed up. But I barely had time to think about it we were both burning bright red. I had no clue who she was talking too. We both got the ‘you are so cute’, look.

We made our way to the counter, and I nodded. "Oh, c'mon now! you wouldn't do that to your best customer? would you?" I chuckled. "You wouldn't try to steal her away from me." I smiled.

She smiled and slipped behind the counter and grinned. 'Two scoops of everything except the pistachio?' she asked.

I nodded and grinned "You know me so well.”

❁ Harper ❁

My eyebrows shout up. “How did you…” I stopped when I saw she was talking to Collin and not me now.

“You don’t like pistachio?” This couldn’t be true. We have the same ‘no no’ in ice cream, could we? I glanced at him and shook my head. He was so kind and sweet as he spoke.

❁ Collin ❁

I tilted my head to Harper... was she about to say said? I what thought. Most of the staff here would know my order when I was taking a bucket to go... but was it even possible.

"I mean... I have against pistachio in general... but if I want nuts in my ice cream, I'd rather order a Sunday." I smiled.

"Do you like pistachio?"

❁ Harper ❁

I sat myself down on one of the stools beside the counter, because I was becoming aware of the shake of shock going through me right now.

How could this man be this perfect? How? Combing my hair behind my ear I smiled and then laughed softly.

“I like them, as a nut. however not as a flavour. It doesn’t taste right. And like you say. If you want nuts, you order a sundae.”

❁ Collin ❁

I grinned widely. The diner owner was watching us from the counter at the back.

'How about a large tub and you can share?' She asked and gave me a wink. "That sounds perfect. "Thank you, that would be great."

I heard her whispering herself about how cute it all was. I leaned on the counter and dug the toe of my boot into the worn bit spotless linoleum. I slid closer to where Harper was sitting and said for only her to hear.

"You, Harper Jenkins..." I brushed my thumb over the back of her hand. "May just be the perfect woman." I smiled.

❁ Harper ❁

My eyes dropped to the slight touch of my hand, it was enough to send a current of electricity down my spine, and heat rushing to my already hot cheeks.

Why did this man made me, so tongue tied? I swear I could speak just fine when I was not around him.

Giving him the lightest of nudges with my shoulder, my gaze moved slowly from my hand. Moving up his side profile until our glance locked.

“I… I…” shaking my head I tried again. “I will have to take your word for it.”

❁ Collin ❁

I wanted to say, "Perfect for me.” But even I knew that was too much. Electricity buzzed along with my hand and up my armrest from the light touch.

"You should." I smiled. "I have a very unique perspective."

I looked back at the owner scooping the ice cream. "You ��don't mind sharing, do you? It's a great excuse to have you sitting right next to me." My face burned but I managed to say it without stuttering... the more time I spent with this woman the more my insecurities slipped away.

❁ Harper ❁

I parted my lips right way to say, ‘I don’t share my ice cream.’ However, managed to stop at hearing #Kenzi voice in my mind and seeing #Jenna with her arms crossed and rolling her eyes at me.

Clearing my throat and nodding my head a little. Letting him know I would share.

“However…” I couldn’t, not warn him. “If we have Spoon Wars half way down into the tub. I’m sorry.”

There… I said it.

Wait… did that sound a little crazy?

I mean, spoon wars?

Lord! What was wrong with me?

Was it too late to back out and run?

❁ Collin ❁

I flushed a deeper red when she let herself get flustered... it made sense... but it's what happened, nonetheless. I laughed soft.

"My mom raised a gentleman. If we resort to spoon wars... I promise to let you win." I smiled wider. "But only the first time... after that all bets are off."

'Can I get you anything else today?' The Diner owner asked. "How about two of those giant marshmallow and chocolate cookies..." I turned to Harper. "What do you think? anything else?" Because would never assume to order for her... but the cookies were too good to pass up.

❁ Harper ❁

“Remind me to thank you mom someday, I am not against taking a free win if they are on offer.”

There still was some level of ‘please stop talking.’ Or ‘stop blushing Harper.’ Kind of conversations taking place in my mind.

However, upon the diner owner’s question. I smiled, glancing over to the glass jar on the counter. Nodding my head.

“That doesn’t even need to be a question.” I told them both.

And it didn’t go by me that he didn’t make any assumptions.

‘You are my kinda of a young lady.’ He laughed opening the jar.

❁ Collin ❁

My mouth went dry. Did she want to meet my mom? That was a good thing, right? Other than the fact to my mom would talk her ear off and take out the baby albums. Maybe she should meet Ana first?

I reached into my back pocket and pulled out my wallet, sliding my card across the counter. "Since you’re introducing me to a whole new world of cinema magic it only seems right that I buy the snacks."

❁ Harper ❁

My eyebrows jolted.

“I was the one who invited you out for ice cream Collin!” I shook my head as he set his card down on the counter and I did the same. The diner owner watched up as he placed the ice cream and cookies into a larger paper bag.

Then he added a box with something in it too. Winking at me she set the bag down before us. Then with one finger slide my card back towards me.

‘Let the boy do something nice for you. Sometimes it’s the only way these young ones can show how much they care.’ My face flushed, I felt the heat grow.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled. “I’ve been coming here longer, she had to take my side.”

‘Long enough for me to clip you around the ear young one.’ She chided right back, and I swallowed hard. Because she would. She winked at Harper then.

“You can return the favour and let me get a taste of your home cooking next time.” I smiled.

“Leah and Seth keep telling me your food is amazing and they’ve eaten my cooking…” I flashed a bright smile. “I think it’s time I tasted the competition’s food before she goes after my title.”

❁ Harper ❁

I dropped my eyes to the bag before us, slipping my card back away, I knew when I was beaten. And this was two against one. My lips curled back up into a smile when he invited himself over for dinner?

“They have been talking about me?” I tried and failed to look shocked. tilting my head to one side, I stood up.

“I’m not sure I would call myself competition. I’ve tasted your hazelnut butter remember. However, I know my way around the kitchen.” Curling my fingers around the handle of the bag I stood, saying thank you to the lady once again.

❁ Collin ❁

“Only when I pester them restlessly.” I chuckled and stepped away from mam the counter with her as she carried the food. “Mostly they tell me to go and ask you directly.”

I opened to door for her again. Since her hands were full. “Your place or mine Dr. Jenkins.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Do they?”I wasn’t sure why, however knowing that he wanted to know about me. Made me smile.

“ You know you can ask me anything.” Stepping outside I shivered coming from the warm out into a cold air did that. ( Just didn’t stop me from craving ice cream. )

“Where is Nova?” I asked before answering his question.

“Because if she is at home alone, you know we are going to her.”

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed softly. “I know I can but it’s only sort of cheating to gather a little intel to appear all insightful and stuff.”

My smile brightened when she asked about #Nova just as I was about to mention I needed to pick her up on the way. “She’s with my cousin today, I haven’t been able to leave her on her own since you found out she was pregnant, I know it’s probably overkill… but I can’t help it.”

I loved how she thought of her… because of course she did. #Nova was our little matchmaker. She brought us together. “We can pick her up on the way.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Intel?” I turned to glance up at him. The sound ow him laughing still was something I had to lock down. It was warm and welcoming. And in turn made me laugh too.

“Is this where I am going wrong?” Why had I not thought of calling #Seth and skin about Collin?

“It isn’t overkill. I wouldn’t want her to stay home alone for too long, which is why I will say you are doing the right thing.” Stopping in my tracks because now I really didn’t know where I was going. Pointing up and down the street. “Of course, which way do we go?”

❁ Collin ❁

The back of my neck heated. "You aren't going wrong at all." I stammered a little that time.

"Just take everything Leah says with a pinch of salt, she loves me like family no matter how much denies it." Then my eyes went wide with panic. "And don't tell her I used the L-word!" I laughed.

"She's still so young... I would rather make sure she's with someone at least for now." I reached out and took her hand. Nodding down the street. "This way." I gently pull guiding her to follow me. It was strange; I didn't need to moderate my strength.

It was basic instinct with her. I smiled at... because that... that was certainly something I could get used to in my life.

❁ Harper ❁

My face lit up with a mixture of enthusiasm and mischief. Nudging my shoulder into the side of him a little as I laughed softly.

“Leah! Yes. I should ask Leah all about you.” However, from what I knew about her. She wouldn’t tell me much. I liked her for this reason. “What? Love? I can’t tell her you said she loves you?” Shaking my head think he was funny at joking like this with me.

My fingers naturally curled around his, and a sensation of a warm river flowing it’s way up my arm gave way to the hiccup of my heart. Why did this feel so right?

“Collin...” I squeezed his hand in mine.

“Really you are doing and thinking the right things. The baby girl is so young, you do not want her over exerting herself, or stressing for any reason.” Shaking my head, I smiled.

“And to think… the first time I met you. I was so mad, and thought you were so irresponsible with her. How wrong I was.”

❁ Collin ❁

"She has a thing about that word." I chuckled. I knew that Harper wouldn't hear about my insane crush on Leah. But it was bound to happen sooner or later.

I felt her hand wrap around mean and heard her heart skip as mine sped up. "I don't think you were wrong..." I sighed softly. "I feel like it is my fault...I mean, partially at least. I knew I should have taken #Nova with me when I moved out. But I was more concerned about not being the bad guy. That's why I kept paying all of #Nova's bills... insurance and everything." I squeezed Harper's Hand softly, being near her soothed the way felt about leaving #Nova behind.

"If I'd taken her with me, she wouldn't have to go through this."

❁ Harper ❁

“Noted, I will check myself and that word.” I knew #Leah wasn’t outwardly affectionate, however not liking the word Love? My heart sank, I hadn’t meant for him to feel bad. Or for those though and memories to come to the surface.

“I… I am sorry.” I said in a low voice. “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.” Biting on the corner of my lips I dropped my eyes to watch my feet.

“If it means anything, I think you are amazing with the baby girl. She is so happy and carefree.” I couldn’t and wouldn’t comment on his relationship and decisions.

❁ Collin ❁

I turned and smiled at her, she was such a kind soul. “You've nothing to apologise for. I don't want just to talk about the happy and fun things with you.”

I released her hand and lay my arm over her shoulders, bringing us closer together. “I want to tell you when things aren't all good... Or when I've some something wrong.” I pressed my lips into a line and rubbed the back of my neck, noting how her teeth tugged on her lip.

“Isn't that...” I cleared my throat... She had called me her boyfriend so certainly I could say this, right? “Isn’t that what... Um... People... Do when their... Dating?”

Damn! My heart was pounding!

❁ Harper ❁

A wild wash of emotions flowed over me. These words he was sharing has such meaning to them.

“I…” my face run to that redness in my cheeks. He drew me into his said and I felt that tug in my chest telling me that I fit perfectly into him. My eyes flickered from my feet up to catch his side profile.

I had jumped the gun, or at least I thought I had by outing him as my boyfriend. However now, was he saying it back to me but in a different way? “People… Uhm… dating…. Yes… they do…” I squeezed my hand tightly around the bag. What was wrong with me?

“Is.. that… what we are doing? Dating?” I had to look at him.

❁ Collin ❁

Her scent was all over the place now and I wasn't sure exactly what she was feeling. Was the boyfriend thing a slip?

I laughed awkwardly... that was a good response right. "I mean... I..." My heart pounded and my hand gestured awkwardly in front of me. "I hope so."

I saw how her hand tightened around the bag.

"Do you want me to take that?" I asked and started leading her up the path to #Jake's barn where he was working on my truck. "Ready to meet the Chief's son?" I grinned.

❁ Harper ❁

I took a deep breath. Okay… we were? Was he unsure? Was I overthinking this all. I closed my eyes, took two deeps breath. And parted my lips and stopped.

“The chief’s son?” My glazed fell on our location, and how I hadn’t been looking where we were going.

I had been about to confuse what I had done at #HwH the other night. Apologise for what I said now that he was saying that we were dating. And we both agreed. However now, here. Maybe later?

“Billy’s son? Yes. A hundred percent ready.” I had been looking forward at meeting him. His sister and father were such nice people.

❁ Collin ❁

I slid the barn door open and of course #Jake was standing there just starting to pull a shirt over his bare chest. "Oh jeez!" I muttered to myself... He must have heard us coming and was a little slow on the uptake. Around the other imprints, he probably wouldn't have bothered because they were used to it. But for Harper... she was still new to it all, so he was trying to be respectful.

"Hey cuz!" I gave him a glare.

'Harper!' he grinned. "It's about time he brought you by! I have heard a lot about you.' he started to wipe the oil and dirt off his hands. 'I mean a lot... maybe even too much. This guy can talk and talk–'

"Jake!" I hissed.

'When he starts to bug you let me know, can sort him out for you.' He had a goofy grin on his face.

"Spirits!! Jacob!" Could our whole-body blush?

'It's nice to meet you, Harper.' he held out an almost clean hand to her.

❁ Harper ❁

“Oh!” I averted my eyes as fast as I could. The shock of seeing a half naked man inside a barn hit hard. My eyes darted around as I felt the heat travelling up to my cheeks and my heart pulsing from the embarrassment.

I laughed a little uncomfortably, but the laughter really came from the discomfort I could hear in Collin’s voice. I only dared to finally move my chestnut-coloured eyes towards the chief’s when I was sure he was fully dressed.

“I…” smiling the moment I saw that smile on his face. It was Collin’s smile. The very same one that has been in my dreams these past weeks. “Sorry, Uhm… Hi?” He laughed hard looking from Collin to me and then back again. “I… uhm… I’ve heard a lot about you too.” His father spoke highly of him, as did #Sue.

“Seth has told me you can eat a lot of hotdogs and burgers. Something about dares…”

I blushed again as I took his hand in mine. His hand was big, warm just like Collin’s and I could tell he worked with his hands too.

“The pleasure is truly mine Jak… Jacob.” Stumbling on what I should call him and settling on his given name.

❁ Collin ❁

I didn’t take my hand from around her until Jake was dressed. I mean I got it… but did it have to be constant? When I was alone or with just the I was frequently shirtless… it was more comfortable… but I still knew when to put mine back on.

“Where’s Nova?” I asked and her head popped up in the truck window.

‘She’s been sleeping on your jacket in there for half an hour. Dad‘s been... Worryingly well behaved.’ his brow furrowed. Her dwindling energy levels worried the guys - they were used to her keeping up with them.

“She gets tired in the evenings.” I said opening the door and rubbing her down her side. “Being a mamma is hard work, isn't it baby girl?” I had already spoken to Harper about it, so I wasn't overly concerned... Or at least I wasn't panicking.

‘The truck isn't quite ready yet, I need another hour or so.’ Jake vanished under the hood again.

“That's okay I just wanted to pick up Nova, I'll come back for it later.” I lifted Nova down and she went right the Harper... But didn't jump up. Just wagged her tail so hard her whole butt wiggled.

❁ Harper ❁

I stood back, giving the two cousins their space to talk. Trying not to listen until Jacob spoke about his concerns about #Nova.

It took all my will power not to rush over to her for a quick look.

I smiled as Jacob glanced at me with a smile while speaking. And then #Nova came over. At first, I looked over her body as she walked. There was a waddle just starting show. Not too much, but a good sign thing were progressing in her pregnancy.

“Hi baby girl.”

Right away I was down on my knees, setting the bag in my hand down out of her reach. My hands patting her head and then I glided them all the way down her spine, sides and then while making it look like I was just giving her a lot of loving, I felt for her babies. Counting them and their feel. Her heart was beating faster, but that was expected with her excitement.

“Such a good girl. You are doing so well.” I told her in her ear only for her to hear. I wasn’t worried. It was pregnancy tiredness the poor baby was suffering from.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, watching Harper with #Nova. The way she looked her over without making her feel like it was anything other than some love and attention.

'Wow.' #Jake grinned... "She's good. You better be careful... she could give you a tick bath and you'd never know it was happening.' He laughed.

Jeez, he was brutal today! "Okay, okay... I think she gets the mock the younger cousin thing." I tried to reel it back in. "Can we move along and be grown-ups now?"

I smiled at Harper again. "How is she doing?"

❁ Harper ❁

My face redded and I laughed softly. “Sorry, it’s hard not to check if those close to her are saying something has changed.” I rubbed #Nova on her back, giving her one more kiss and standing up.

“Hmm… is she eating and drinking her food and water?” I asked, picking up the bag once again.

“I really don’t want to add any supplements to her diet. Too much calcium and / or vitamins may cause problems with Nova’s health and her puppies...” I didn’t want to scare Collin.

“It’s a lot to do with her age as we spoke about before. She’s a young mom, doing the best she can. However, she has all of you to keep an eye on her.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled wider. "That's okay... I'm sure it hard not to when you meet a patient in general." I knew it had to be for her. She was so passionate about her work. "I'll never turn down any help look out for her."

'You wouldn't need help if Jo had taken—' Jake started and I cut him off by clearing my throat loudly. Bad mouthing Jo wasn't going to change the situation.

None of the guys liked her... and for most of them, it started before we broke up. They tried to keep it from me, but the hive mind wasn't great for secrets.

"She isn't loving her dog food right now, But I've been mixing it with food from all the information Jessica gave me. And she loves all kinds of raw vegetables... water hasn't been a problem, but I give her that solution you gave me at night time."

Jake came up next to me and whispered for only my ears. 'Not date talk.'

I rolled my eyes. He didn't know Harper like I did. Plus, I had a whole evening with her now. I grabbed Nova's harness and lead. "We should get going before our ice cream turns into soup."

❁ Harper ❁

I shifted from one foot to the other, keeping my head down when the two cousins spoke about Collins ex.

It wasn’t my place, and I had nothing to add to that matter. Anyway, I was lost in watching the baby girl, giving her another Pat on her head as she asked for more attention. which was a good sign.

My brow eyes met Collin’s listening with a slit nod now and then.

“Perfect, we need to ensure her food intake doesn’t lower at this stage. Also, try to keep an eye out. Make sure she is eating and not hiding the food away.”

Smiling at how she walked over with her tail waggling as soon as she heard her lead and harness.

“She is young, so… she could confuse the changes in her. Start hiding food thinking it’s what she needs to do for the puppies.” I remembered the bag in my hand. “Oh. Uhm. Yes.” Taking a step forward I hold out my hand to Jacob Black.

“It was lovely to meet you finally. Please say Hi to your father for me.” Smiling I thought of the little wooden wolf beside my bed that was a gift from the Chief.

❁ Collin ❁

#Jake laughed a little. ‘My cousin is far too much of a clean freak to let her hide food in the house.’ The normally would have made be awkward but I knew know that that was a quality Harper and I shared.

“I’ve been watching her, the only thing she take to her bed and treats carrots… sometimes she takes her time with them, but she always finishes them. But I’ll look out for that.” I looked up at Jake as I buckled nova into the new harness, I had bought for the comfort of the growing belly, and he nodded.

‘I will keep an out when I’m in babysitting duty. And I have the clinics number in my phone if I ever need it.’ He smiled at Harper. ‘It was lovely to meet you. I know we tease this one a lot… but he is a good one. We just want the best for him… seems like he finally found it.’

And there it was… my face burned and stared intently at my boots. I slipped my hand back into Harper’s and held Nova’s lease in the other. “Thanks Jake.”

The tone was both genuine and annoyed, he had looked after Nova for me today… and he was working on my truck.

“See you later.” I called back as I walked out barn with the two of them.

❁ Harper ❁

By now I knew I had to be a beetroot red. The heat in my burning face could I was sure fry a couple of eggs.

Politely saying my good byes. I followed Collin out of the barn. He had #Nova in one hand and had taken my hand in his other. When we were down the street I finally spoke.

“So, are most the men here in La Push as tall as you guys? Or does it just run in the family?” I had to know. So far, I had seen so many of them cross paths with me. Shirtless, tall, well built, shirtless!!! It was becoming a pattern.

“And…” now I smiled a little as my glasses slipped down my nose.

“I think he likes me.” I couldn’t help myself. The comment about wanting the best for Collin stuck.

❁ Collin ❁

Her question made me want to rub the back of my neck, but I would either have to tug on the leash in one hand or let go of Harper's hand. I wasn't going to do either.

"I mean... There are a lot of tall guys on the Rez. I think it probably runs in a lot of the families... but we spend a lot of time in the woods and the water. So that probably has a lot to do with how big we tend to get around here... and genetics too, I suppose. I’m sure being descendants of the Chief's give us an edge too though." I added the last part as a joke. I was directly descendant of the Black’s, but the Alpha's still had a few inches on me.

My ear and face burned when she brought up what Jake said. "He does... all my friends do actually. Even the ones that haven't met you yet." I smiled. "They've never really liked anyone I dated before... And they've kind of always been right not to." I really ended up in some terrible relationships. "But they all agree I finally got it right."

❁ Harper ❁

I listened with intent as we walked down the lane. My eyes dropping to watch #Nova who walked full of happiness with the tail wagging. She stopped to smell things, and Collin and her connection was so natural that it made me smile.

“There is so much history in this town. I mean, listening to you, to Billy, Sue, Leah, and Seth. There was always the knowledge that there is something special. However, being here. I see it now.” And I really had started to see it.

I laughed softly shaking my head, sure he had to be kidding with me. His friends who didn’t know me liked me too? However, then I thought of Kenz, Jenna, and Dam. They had started to like him from the way I spoke of him to them.

“Got it right?” I teased a little bit. “Will they be happy to learn that I am a clean freak too, do you think?” But then I lifted my gaze to him, taking in his side profile. “We all make mistakes Collin. My dad said it was the only way to learn what is right and what is wrong for us.” Sighing I moved my eyes ahead. “It’s not like I made the best choices in my past too.” How true was that statement.

❁ Collin ❁

I liked to let #Nova snuffle around as we walked... at least when she wasn't trying to eat stuff she shouldn't. Itwas in her nature after all, so I figured being aware of her surroundings would make her feel safer.

"There really is... I love it here. I know that people think being from a small town and not dreaming of leaving is a lack of ambition. But my dad said that there a resilience to those that bloom where they're planted. I don't think any place could thrive without the ones that stay." I smiled at her. "And a beautiful, mysterious new arrivals. The world needs both."

I laughed and turned beet red from head to toe. "Same of them may or not have a bet going that our first fight will be about the proper way to clean something." They, in fact, did... and that thing was a window.

I smiled at her, she wasn't the type to judge... I mean the fact I walked into her practice with a one pregnant husky and she hadn't looked at me with disgust was proof of that. "Maybe that's something we can talk about someday." I offered her a smile, it was a little soon right now... "Like I said... I want to everything about you... not just the good and happy stuff."

❁ Harper ❁

My body stiffened a little. He was so confident in his choice to stay in the town he was born in. He kind of reminded me of #Jenna in that way. “Uhm.. I’ve… never felt like I belong.” I said in a low voice. “I’ve always felt like an outsider, or an imposter.” Wow.. biting my tongue. Was that too much to share?

I shook my head, smiling a little. “I hope they are willing to give me a cut, or at least let me place a bet too.” His friends, the ones I met were lovely. And I was certain the others were lovely too.

“Maybe… someday. Right now. I like the place we are in..” That conversation would need wine, not ice cream.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart cracked a little as her revelation. My thumb brushed across the back of her hand, still joined with mine. “Sometimes the world can be cruel in how it chooses to so show you your true path.”

She seemed surprised that shed let those words slip out. “I hope to make it my personal mission to make you feel like you belong here. And not just for myself... This tribe really needs a talented animal healer. Dr Hill was good, but... You are something else.”

I nodded when she agreed with me. “I completely agree... I believe that we have all the time we could possibly need for all of those conversations. But right now, isn’t the time.”

❁ Harper ❁

I felt his thumb sweep over the back of my hand. He had said he wanted us to be real with one another, however I was hoping to ease him into it. Life felt ease with this man, I felt more like myself than I ever did.

“No… Collin.” I started and then bit my lips. No... I had started so I should say it. “That is too much to ask from one person. It’s not your job to make me feel like I am house. I have to do that for myself. However...” This time I squeezed his hand still in mine. “You make me want to do more, see more and learn more about it.”

As we walked the breeze picked up, sending a chill down my neck and back. There it was again, the feeling that the air was singing to me, and it made me smile.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her shaking my head. "I'm not sure what kind of people you had in your life before... I mean I know your inner circle was amazing. When it comes to guys... I have no clue. But, someone doing everything within their power to make you feel welcome and wanted... and safe. Is never too much.” I paused realising there were too many and’s in the sentence. "I know that ultimately it's all up to you. But... you may have noticed I like having you around a lot."

I saw her street just ahead. "You can ask me anything you want about La Push and the tribe... I'm not an expert on history. But my Mom teaches Tribal History at the elementary school. And my uncle is the chief... so know all the right people."

❁ Harper ❁

My heart for some reason started to beat a little unevenly. I wasn’t sure why, but I was lost for words. What should a girl even say to this? So, finally when I saw my street coming into view I said. “We aren’t talking about ex’s today remember. That conversation is for another day.” The part about him wanting me around. That made my cheeks bush.

“Your mom is a teacher?” Did I know this about her? I was sure not. I knew about his sister, and the way she fell in love so often. “Okay.” I thought for a moment. “Tell me about the Tree Graveyard? They say it is a sight light no other? But no one knows why it is there?” I have planned to go for a drive to see it, however I hadn’t the time yet. One day I told myself. Soon.

#Nova pushed the wet nose into my hand wanting to see what was in the bag. “It’s not for you baby girl.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled and nodded. "Sorry... you're right. But speaking for myself, everything I just said... it's not too much. Especially considering how much I love to be around you." I gave her another nod. "She is... She actually sort of retired? I don't know if that's the right word.

I was born several before her maternity leave... so the school was still looking for a sub. But then mom was so sick after my birth and I was in the hospital for so long... then surgeries and illnesses." I stopped myself. "Anyway... she decided to stay home with me... #Ananya Came along. But long story short. The woman the replaced mom moved away and they asked her to cover for a while. #Ana was a senior in high school so mom went back. Now it's two years later."

I smiled a broad smile, she had that one right on the tip of her tongue. "You read a lot don't you?" I chuckled. "There are a lot of stories about it. Would you like to hear the one Mom told us at bedtime?"

❁ Harper ❁

The twitch to distract myself with a moment or action tugged on me. However, with Collin holding one hand, the other wrapped around a bag. There was no way for me to act upon it.

“Please don’t be sorry, I just…” biting in my lip I didn’t know how to answer the question. How were the men in my life? Dad, Dam, Seth. Dr Harris… there were the men who mattered. “The men who matter, they are amazing.”

And the other list, it was short, and painful, however as I walk with him. I searched for that pain, the discomfort and I couldn’t find it?

Not sure what it was. But with his hand in mine, it somehow didn’t matter.

My heart spluttered listening to the story of his birth, his mom’s illness. “It must have been hard for her… being a new mom , wanting to be there for you, and your dad.” Recalling how worried Kevin had been with Mr Custard. To image that man. In a hospital with his wife, his new baby, and to learn they were ill. My heart cried for a past I wasn’t apart but, we were here now.

We turned the corner of my street; I could see my bug parked in front of my new home.

“Home.” I whispered.

My eyes caught his and the blush creeped up my cheeks. “I like to read, to know where I am, what is here to understand.” Nodding my head. “If you do not mind sharing something as private as your moms stories.”

“I don’t remember the stories my mom told me, as much as I tried to recall them, the further they run.” Once again, I told him something I hadn’t told anyone.”

Squeezing his hand. Then let go of it, fishing out my keys as I continued walking.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled... “The ones I have so far... They really are.”

I nodded, I knew that it had to have been hard. “I’m sure it was... But she's never complained. She says the Spirits tested us to make stronger. And the ancestors protected us.”

I heard her whisper and my heart stuttered. It gave me such joy that she thought of this place like home, I could make anywhere home if I was close to her, but it made me feel lighter to know she had that place of safety.

“Private stories.” I laughed. “Oh no! Connie’s stories are the right stories!” My heart ached at the thought that she had forgotten her mother’s stories. “Whether you remember them or not, they helped to shape you. They are part of you.” I felt the absence of her hand like a mythological Greek hero missed his love on one of his epic quests... Which was obviously ridiculous but all the same the feeling was there.

❁ Harper ❁

I felt there was a truth in what Collin had said. Maybe even if I didn’t recall the bedtime storied my mom told me, there were lessons in those words that must have somehow been built into the woman I grew up to be?

“There is not wrong in having the right stories too.” I was smiling as our feet carried us forwards. #Nova looking a little tired, however she was happy in her own world. “

Before I knew it, we were walking past the bug, and towards the end of our walk. I placed the key in the lock and pushed the door open. “Would you like something to drink?” I asked kicking off my boot and leaving them beside the door.

Rushing off to the kitchen I set the bag down, taking the ice cream out I took it to the fridge. It wasn’t warm outside, however just in case I wanted to be sure there was a little firmness to the dessert. I went about taking out the water bowl I had bought for #Nova, filling it with fresh water I set it down for her, and then I was in the fridge. “Is it okay to give Nova a lamb bone? Or I have a kong in the freezer ready for her?” I called out.

❁ Collin ❁

“According to mom she tells them the right way... I'm inclined to agree.” I laughed. “How about I take you there someday and tell you the story? Or are you too curious to wait?” I smiled at her... Normally I would use any chance I could to make another date with her, but I didn't feel that need anymore.

Every time I saw that car of hers, I was reminded of that bright personality of hers. “Sure, I would love one.” I watched her step out of her boots and wondered if I had missed that about her. Was she the typed that preferred people to take of their in her home like mom was? It wasn't an issue in my house the pack used any excuse to take of their shoes, not that the bare feet to much of an improvement. I took mine off too just in case. Glad I had showered right after work.

I followed after her and watched her take out the bowl. She was always prepared for #Nova. “You're the expert I will defer to your superior judgment. She would love either.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Never disagrees with moms, that is a lesson we all learn fast.”

Popping my head over the top of the door, I was smiling now again. “You would go with me? To visit?“ I asked, this time I knew I wouldn’t say no. He had kindly offered so many times to take me site-seeing, however I didn’t have a spare moment to go.

“As much as I would love to hear all about it now.” And I really did. “I can be patient and wait for the visit. It will feel different I am certain hearing all about them, while walk in the midst of it all.”

#Nova made her way to the bowl, lapping up the water. So, I handed Collin the jug. “It’s carrot, ginger and apples today, unless you would like something else?” Pointing towards the cupboard where the glasses live.

“Okay baby girl. Your father says it’s my call. However, I say it’s the mama to be.” Taking the two options out. Holding them at a height. I ask her to sit. Laughing at the excitement in her tail waggling. She knew what was coming.

“Only one. Okay.” I let her sniff at the two. And of course, it was the bone to win. “Good girl.” She barked, waiting as I unwrapped the leg bone and gave it to her. “You enjoy that. It’s all good stuff for you and your babies.”

❁ Collin ❁

"That's survival 101 around here." I chuckled. "Sure, I would, I got there all the time with #Nova. It's so beautiful first thing in the morning, the sea mist makes the lighting really eerie. Perfect for storytelling."

I grinned at her. "Sounds perfect. You’re going to have to give me your weekly juice plans, so I know when to stop by for a visit." When she pointed to the cupboard I had a warm feeling, the way she treated me as a regular guest... as someone that should be comfortable moving around her kitchen. It made my heart stumble a few beats. I grabbed the glasses. "Do you want some too or do you prefer wine on your spur of the moment date nights?" I teased...and it sounded like a tease, not a stuttering mash-up words. granted my ears and neck burned... but I was proud of that one.

She was so amazing with #Nova. "She really loves you." I smiled.

❁ Harper ❁

#Nova make herself at home, as I watched her to make sure she was okay. I smiled over to Collin. “There is a true photographers eye. Knowing when the lighting is at its natural best.”

Tilting my head to the side as I felt that warmth and the hum of this invisible energy making me feel so proud and wanting to closer to him. I shook my head freeing myself for the moment.

“You sound like Char. He says Teddy is trying to fatten him up. So, he comes to steal my juice when he is drinking by too.” I loved how he had these small comments that felt so familiar, I just couldn’t put my finger on the pulse of why.

A soft laughter escaped my smiling lips. “I may have a glass of wine later. For now, I will have some juice too. You know... For my spur of the moment date.”

My eyes drifted back to #Nova once again. She was growling at the bone for not staying still. “I love her too.” I told him. Before glancing at him.

Clearing my throat, I caught myself staring now. “I put the ice cream in the freezer for a few, just to make sure it’s not milk shake.” My cheeks felt like they were getting hot. “Would you like some chips or popcorn?” I asked.

❁ Collin ❁

I grinned at her. "I can't help it. I'm a sucker for setting a scene." I laughed softly and poured two glasses of juice. "It not fattening him up... it's how he shows love. Though I could be biased I have been told that cooking for people is my love language. #Seth's words, not "I might even join you with that glass of wine... since it's a special occasion." My heart raced in my chest... she was talking about #Nova and still hearing her say those words... It hit me deeply.

"Can't have a movie without popcorn. So... you have to tell me. Are these movies tear-jerkers? Do I need to mentally prepare myself... and you. Because I'll warn you now... I ugly cry. It's not pretty."

❁ Harper ❁

“Oh no, Teddy had admitted it in the past too.” Trying and feeling really badly to mimic my friends. ‘If I fatten him up, he will never leave me.’ Not that he had anything to worry about. You saw them here; they are both so in love. They have a beautiful love language.” I agreed.

“Cooking is most definitely that. There is something about when someone cooks for you. It’s like magic.” I recall #Kenz and #Jenna saying so to me.

Opening the cupboard by the fridge to take out the popcorn. I stopped and turned my head towards him. “Will you know? Not wanting to see me drinking alone.” Smiling, it was nice that he wanted to join me.

“Uhm… some of them can be, we could try to find one which doesn’t make me… us… cry.”

I took out a pan, setting it on the hob to heat. Then turn to get some butter out of the fridge.

“I don’t believe you. You cannot ugly cry.” And some part of my felt a pang. I didn’t want to see him crying or hurt. It was silly. However, the thought was there.

“Now. Here is a test. Sweet or salty popcorn Mr Littlesea?” I stood giving him my full attention.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed setting out the glass for her when she was done tending to my baby girl. “You know that actually sound like him.” I said, a smile in my voice. “But those two… they’re forever… but they’ll never stop the teasing.”

I smiled at her, I couldn’t help but imagine us together, sometime in the future, bickering of who got to cook instead of whose should cook. It made my heart spur and my wolf reeled me back in. I glanced over my shoulder at the green curtains… remembering that dream id told her about back when we first met. Did she remember it?

I grinned. “Uh oh!! That is a controversial topic around here! I should say salty because we have ice cream and cookies… but I have to follow my heart and say half and half.” I pretended to cringe until I found out if I passed.

❁ Harper ❁

I really liked the sound of that. Thinking of a happy future for my friends, in love and together years from now… “they really are forever.”

Closing the cupboard door, so that I didn’t walk into it again. I turned to glance after #Nova. She was still happily. And then his glance towards my window… no... the curtains... my green kitchen. A smile creeping up my lips and into a cheek, I remembered the dream he told me about. I wondered if he had it again. Or if it was gone now?

“9 points. That is the correct answer, even if it is controversial and a discussion starter.” I set to work, making the soften sugar first and then adding the sea salt flakes. Before the popcorn kernels.

Reaching over for my glass. “Thank you for this.” I told him taking a sip.

❁ Collin ❁

I held a fist up in the air when she said nine points... "Wait... only nine? Nine out of nine, right?" I grinned at her. "Because out of ten that's on ninety percent and that's an A-minus... unacceptable!" added a dramatic flair to the last part.

I smiled at her. "There's too many things in life we have to choose between. Sweet and salt doesn't need to be one of them if you asked me."

I followed her gaze to #Nova, still gnawing away on her bone, holding it between her paws like a pro. "She's a clever girl." I chuckled. And then turned back to Harper, watching her work. "Anything I can do to help... Since I invited myself over, I should make myself useful."

❁ Harper ❁

Laughter exploded from my lips softly. Seeing his reaction, it was sweet and funny and so him. Of course, he knew his Percentages and the equivalent grading. He was such a nerd… he was Perfect!

“No…” I exclaimed. “Nine out of ten... because…” her words came back to me. “There is always space for improvement.” #Leah had good advice that was for sure.

“And I would agree, this is an easy and the right choice to make. Popcorn is a feel good, no though process.” I told him shaking the pan a little waiting for the heat to start popping the kernels.

“She really is.” #Nova looked so settled it was heart-warming.

“You are welcome to grab some carrots and the cucumbers. Peel and cut them if you want? I have some hummus left over from last night’s dinner we could eat too.” I thought.

“Unless you aren’t much hungry that is.” I liked to think ahead so that if I wanted it, while watching a movie. It was ready to go.

❁ Collin ❁

"Uh oh!!" I smirked. "You sound like #Leah... how much time have you been spending with her? Should I be worried?"

I smiled at her. "Oh, Dr Jenkins... where have you been all my life?" I sighed dreamily. Teasing but also serious. She was perfect and clueless to how true that was.

I moved to the fridge and took out the vegetables she mentioned. I quick glance at how her kitchen was set up setup and I guessed she kept her cutting boards in the cupboard beneath the counter with the space open space. "You know... I'd bet... that we do spontaneous date nights better than anyone ever has."

❁ Harper ❁

I nudged him with my elbow before he moved away. ( And my mind did not go to how firm his body felt. Not at all. Well. Maybe a little? )

“No if I were to sound like Leah. I would have said ‘room for improvement’, I added my own kick to it. And I cannot help it. She has great advice to give.” The kernels started to pop so I turned my attention to the sound. Listening for when they were done. Gazing back to him.

“You believe so? I’m sure there is room for improvement.” I teased, shaking the pan. My eyebrows lifting at how he found my knives.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed and took set everything on the counter. Taking the carrots and cucumber to the sink to be washed.

“Definitely, I’m taking mental notes. I learn something new about you ever day. So, I can keep stepping up my game as I learn silhar you like.” I smiled, returning to counter to peel the carrots. I heard a hitch in her breath when she nudged me. I tried to hide my smile; the raise of her brows gave a reason to let it out. “Your kitchen is organized logically. Things kept the place closest to where they’ll be used the most.” I smiled and chopped the carrots into chunky sticks. “I have to say… I’m highly impressed.”

❁ Harper ❁

Clearing my thoughts and my mind I shook my head. That wasn’t a place my mind was used to going. Because who had time with everything I had to do and achieve. But with a little time on my hands now, the ability to say Yes to things like a spontaneous date nights were made possible.

“I’ve never been so great at the being mysterious. If there is something to learn about me, I all but blurt it out in the right company.” If I trusted people, they whole heartedly were given my all.

My lips turned into an ‘O’ when he explains how he knew where to find things. “I don’t really have the time to go hunting for things. Hens, things are placed in where they can be easily found and used.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled a little. “Oh, there is definitely a little mystery lurking around you, Harper.” I moved on the cucumber and started to slice it.

“Besides I always thought the concept of ‘mysterious is sexy’ or ‘being mysterious it makes you more attractive’, is overrated. Because most of the time you solve the mystery only to find there’s not a whole lot there... It was an act to protect themselves or cover insecurities. I think being intriguing is far more important. To catch someone's attention with something that is 100%, unapologetically you . It's more open, more honest... And considering the world, we live in... Pretty damn brave.”

I arranged the vegetables on the plate in a circle. Leaving space in the centre for the hummus. Then I went to stand next to her. I leaned in, careful not to cause her to burn herself, and kissed her temple. “You intrigue me Harper Jenkins. More than you'll ever know.”

❁ Harper ❁

My cheeks burnt, I hadn’t ever imaged myself as being someone who was intriguing.

“That’s my thoughts in a nut shell. It not that I would push my beliefs on others, I just never thought it was something to chase.” Also, #Jenna and #Kenz had their major share of those kinda boys, and I was left picking to the broken hearts.

The popping slowed down a little and I turned the hob off so that the residual heat could finish the job, I could see how the sugar had coated the corn, reaching out for the sea salt I stopped what Collin came over. I closed my eyes as that invisible tug sang to me from inside, making me smile and feel myself melt into his gentle kiss.

“Are you sure you aren’t thinking of another vet? Maybe it’s Juan?” I teased.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her, the small on the popcorn made my stomach growl loudly. “#Juan seems like a great guy but he’s but exactly my type.” I chuckled. I pulled back, still standing close to her but giving her the space to finish up.

“I'm not sure what he thinks of me though. Still trying to figure me out, I reckon.”

❁ Harper ❁

I finished off the popcorn and poured it in the large bowl I had taken out. Adding sea salt into the layers of the sweetness as I listened.

“Maybe. I’m not sure. I never really ask him about things that aren’t work.” Thinking again. “Then again, he doesn’t shy away from telling me his opinions.” I shook my head, looking back at Collin.

“His opinion doesn’t really count though.” Leaning up a little I kissed his cheek. “Mine does”

I smiled as I went to set the hot pan into the sink, needing it to cool down before I could wash it. “Ready?”

❁ Collin ❁

I followed her out of the kitchen. "Oh really? Not worried that I might take advantage of that little tidbit?"

The sound of teeth on bone was interrupted by another grumble and I laughed. "If only we spoke their language." I grinned at #Nova. "The bone stays on the tiles... we aren’t getting meat juice all over Harper's rug." She didn't even acknowledge that comment she just kept chewing.

I set the plate on the coffee table and then each glass on a coaster. "So have you decided on the perfect introduction, yet?"

❁ Harper ❁

“I cannot believe you are the kind of person who would take advantage of me.” He had an innocent vibe about him. And my heart told me he wouldn’t. “Anyway, not sure there is anything there for you to make out of it.”

I set the bowl of popcorn on the table before going to retrieve the remote.

I laughed softly at the conversation between him and his baby girl. Shaking my head, I spoke up. “That is your dad’s rule baby girl. I said no such thing. It’s only a rug, I can clean it. She’s a good girl.” And she was so engrossed in her treat that she didn’t care what her dad told her.

“Oh, the ice cream? Would you like it now or later?” I asked with a few steps towards the kitchen again. “I’m not sure, I don’t want to scare you away. There are a few I could ease you into.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, she had said that so easily and casually like it was something she’d always known.

“No need to go easy on me.” I said, my eyes on her face, taking in each feature. I brush her hair behind her ear with my now empty hands. “And nothing you could do would scare me off. like I told your friend #Jenna, I want to be thrown in at the deep end. And learn as much about as I can.” I smiled. “I’m not a rush, plus if any will be scared off it will be you when I make you watch Sharktopus versus pteracuda” I smirked unashamedly.

❁ Harper ❁

My heart skipped a beat or two, with a fluffy of butterflies letting me know they felt his touch too.

I tilted my head into his touch; however, this time did not close my eyes. “I believe you.” My voice low and soft. Because I really did. Sometimes he said things and I just knew it was the truth.

“Okay. No going easy on you. And you know I am a vet. Nothing with animals in it will scare me away.” I took his hand in mine leading him to the couch, glancing over my shoulder to #Nova still enjoys her bone, before sitting down.

“Okay, which movie do I make your introduction to Hallmark?” Smiling as I said it, my eyes flickering from the screen to him. Until now I didn’t realise just how many of these movies were about people getting married.

“This one…” it had a wedding in it. However, it was a side line... “It is called Love is a Piece of Cake. Light and easy watching.” I said. Hitting play and sitting back into the couch.

( Movie - Love is a Piece of Cake - https://youtu.be/nx-b1DyTqh4 )

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at the way she leaned into my touch. The want to kiss her was growing... But it was different t than anything else I had felt before, and not just because of the imprint.

My heart thumped when she took my hand. I sat next to her. My thigh brushed lightly against hers. I tried to like I was watching the tilted of the movies go by, but I knew she’d caught me looking at her. The back of my neck burned red, but I didn't look away.

“Love is a piece of cake?” I mused. “Is it really? Let’s see if they prove that...” I chuckled and sat back with her.

I leaned in and planted that kiss I had been craving on her cheek. And then nervously draped my arm around her shoulders... Why that made me numerous, when a kiss (even on the cheek) was so much intimate I wasn't sure... But here they were... My nerves.

“Opening with cooking scene!” I smiled through the opening credits. “Off to a very strong start. Great choice Dr Jenkins.”

#Nova appeared now... Instead of her normally bounding leap onto the couch she’d started propping her front paws in the couch first and giving a little hop to get fully seated now. She still wasn't struggling; her belly wasn’t that large yet. But I knew that time would come.

“Traitor” I whispered because shed jumped up next to Harper and not me. And she responded in classic #Nova style by licking Harper’s face and making me laugh.

❁ Harper ❁

“Let’s see.” I answer him. “Cake can really test you; you know. The not knowing if you have the mix of all the ingredients right until it comes out and you can see yourself.” I said matter of factly. When really, I was babbling. My nerves had kicked in with that kiss he placed on my cheek. The heat radiated from them now. And as I curled into his side. It was hard to keep my eyes on the screen and not wondering if I should really be this excited about showing him my guilty pleasure.

As the main character Jessy is shown setting up her bakery however, then when he commented on the food element of the movie I just beamed.

“You know food and animals. They are my Achilles heel.”

“Hi baby girl. How was your snack?” I asked #Nova as she slowly climbs up. I covered my mouth but then laughed softly. “Not sure I should allowing you to talk to a mom-to-be this way Mr Littlesea.” Laughing as as my face was kissed by #Nova.

“She’s only asking you to share.” I pat her head and kiss her face in return. Patti my lap. “Settle. Come on baby girl. Rest.” But she clambered on my side wanting some fussing. She I gave it to her.

This was perfect. #Nova’s warm breath on my face and I could feel her half over one side. And Collin was sat on the other with his arm draped over. This was starting to slowly feel real, and not a dream.

❁ Collin ❁

She was so adorable when she rambled. I could listen to her just talk for hours. A wonderful shiver ran down my spine when she eased into my side like this was something we'd done so many times it was normal.

I watched her with #Nova, a small smile on my lips. She was perfect in every possible way.

But thanks to my superhuman hearing I was able to keep track of the movie too... I watched the pretty lead female notice the bride's brother.

"Oh!!" I grinned when it became clear. "Single dad's always get brownie point, don't they" I glanced at #Nova nuzzling into her side. "Do I get any for the baby-girl?" I chuckled, knowing that with her I definitely did. "And a few extras because I'm about to be a Grandpa?" I rubbed the side of #Nova's neck with the hand across her shoulders.

❁ Harper ❁

I laughed softly as the little girl got her way. Turning my eyes to Collin as he spoke. My deep brown eyes lingered on his lips as they moved.

“I am certain she would make him the brownies.” My hand still slowly rubbing #Nova on her back.

“Should I tell him the truth Nova? That in reality I wanted you? And your dad came as part of our deal?” That was so far from the truth. “Then again. It could be the handsome grandpa vibes pulling me in.” I smiled as the movie progressed, and I’d not expected him to talk about it already. He wasn’t judging me. Just asking questions and trying to see if he could breakdown the plot. ( Which wasn’t hard with these movies. )

“Are you still sure you want to watch? I could put something else on?”

❁ Collin ❁

I flushed at the handsome Grandpa comment and covered it by reaching for the popcorn. #Nova settled and rested her chin on Harper's lap... that was a first considering I had just sat a bowl of fresh popcorn on my lap. She wasn't trying to steal it.

"You have a real calming effect on her."

I popped a small handful of the popcorn into my mouth. "Wow... is there anything you're not good at?" I asked her.

"No way!" I smiled. "I want to see if the carpenter gets the girl that loves to bake in the end." I was beaming now... okay sure I wasn't sure if Harper just liked cooking or if she liked to bake too. But it was a clever pun.

"I could learn some vital tips before this movie ends"

❁ Harper ❁

A warmth crept its way over me once again. #Nova set her chin on my lap, and without thinking my hand was settled in her side, just feeling my way over her body. I knew she was fine, however what #Jake had said about her early just made me want to keep her close.

“She has the same effect on me. After a hard day, this girl is the perfect cuddle partner.” Laughing softly, I elbowed him playfully. “You caught that? What Aiden likes to do?”

Biting the corner of my lip before I turned and kissed his warm cheek. “In which case we will see what comes next.” I took a couple of kernels of popcorn chewing on them. Aiden had somehow made me think of Collin. Because he dreamed of working with his hands. And Collin was doing it. Following his dreams.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled. "Attention to detail is kinda part of my trade." I didn't say all the other reasons. Like what was important to her would always be important to me. Even if it was just the movies that she loved.

I leaned in closer to her tucking her in against my side until I could rest my head against hair.

"I'm still taking mental notes. You never know what I could learn. I mean you like these films for a reason." I grinned.

❁ Harper ❁

“Uhm.” I did like them for a reason. However, I hadn’t been in a place to openly admit it to anyone.

These movies always had a happy ending, a girl how was lost and couldn’t find a place she belongs. And then it all came together. And maybe, some part of me knew these movies gave me something I was certain I wouldn’t find in my life time.

“As long as you are learning something new.” I laughed softly resting into his side as the movie progressed.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her reaction. She really did wear her heart on her sleeve. I cheesiness of these movies was not lost on me and it wasn't too unlike the cheesiness in my own favourite genre. There was something to be said about predictability. Not all the time... but when you just wanted to still your mind.

I felt her body relaxing against mine, and my heart raced. #Nova gave a contented huff in her sleep, her head still propped on Harper's lap. I turned into her, brushing my nose against her hair and whispered. "I could get used to this."

❁ Harper ❁

Wow. The way he said those words should not have cases this reaction within me. The skipping of my heart, the smile growing and the way I hid my face into his neck… all the things adding up to being myself with him around.

“Really?” I whisper and kiss his neck before my eyes were back on the screen. “Good, because I could too.” Laughing softly at the dream sound #Nova made. And then she kicked out before resting again. This time I whispered really low. “I think the baby girl agrees too.”

❁ Collin ❁

I held my breath, in a second so much changed. The steady pattern of her heart, a hitch in her breath.... even her scent. A rush of pheromones maybe? I took in a deep breath of her and relaxed against her, that new scent giving me an uncanny sense of calm.

But way she nuzzled against my neck and... Spirits! That kiss! I closed my eyes and a low hum seemed to rise up in my throat as millions of tiny, winged creatures came to life in my stomach. My smile grew so much it threatened the etch itself permanently onto my face.

I laughed softly at #Nova. "A perfect with my two favourite ladies." I whispered, relaxing against Harper in return. Normally I would have taken out my phone to capture this moment. But I had a feeling it was one neither of us would need help remembering and I wasn't about to shatter it.

❁ Harper ❁

“Perfect.” I whispered feeling my cheek heat as a rush of blood turned my skin red. I put some more popcorn into my mouth before I did or said anything silly or nerdy. Even if I knew now that he would never make fun of me. I had to keep something back for him to find.

“Hey, would you like another drink?” I asked looking at the table and the snacks. I hadn’t thought to bring something more than what was left in our glasses out with us.

However, when I saw how comfortable #Nova was. “Not sure I can move” I smiled. She was content with herself

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled; I hadn't stopped smiling. I had never felt anything like this before... This complete and utter certainty of being exactly where I belong, that in this moment... Everything was right in the world.

“We can't disturb the pregnant lady.” I chuckled. “If you make them move when they are comfortable, you're likely to lose a finger.” I kissed her hair again. “I'll go, what would like? That glass of wine we talked about or more juice?” my fingers stroked back and forward on her arm. My wolf stretched beneath my skin and curled up, more content than I had ever known him to be.

❁ Harper ❁

“Oh please.” My smile grew from ear to ear. This teasing, the easiest way to talk and learn about one another. It had been new, and something I didn’t want to miss.

“Baby girl loves me too much; it would just be a growl.” I turned my head to look up at him.

“The wine please. if you don’t mind. It is in the fridge.” Reluctantly I shifted to give him space to slide out, without disturbing the mummy -to- be.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, it was so easy to make her smile. Finding joy in the little things was a rare quality in a person... and a beautiful one.

I brushed a small kiss to her temple before I uncurled my arm from around her shoulder. "Of course, I'll only be a second.

I slipped away, carefully, disturbing them as little as possible.

At the door I glanced back, it was a beautiful sight. Harper and Nova... my perfect little happy place, right there next to them. My heart thumped a little harder.

❁ Harper ❁

I paused the movie. Unsure if I should or not but went with the safer option. “Thank you.” I whispered softly, not wanting to wake the baby girl up.

She stirred in her sleep when the couch moved, I lent down and kissed the top of her head. Whispering “Sleep, your babies need you to rest.”

Taking my fingers Through her thick fur, Coaxed her back into her sleep. “Such a good girl.” I wouldn’t stop smiling as I watched her.

❁ Collin ❁

I grinned as easily find wine glasses and the bottle in the fridge. I poured two glasses. I rarely drank... but in certain situations... when there was a reason to celebrate or a moment like this I could enjoy wine or something that had a complex flavour, even the occasional IPA beer.

I loved that she spoke to #Nova like would start speaking back at any moment. When came back to the doorway I was silent on my feet, wanting the watch them both from a distance.

The scene that greeted me was beautiful, there was no way the look on Harper's face.

This time I did take out my phone, holding it low while I cradled both glasses in one large hand.

The soft light of evening coming through the window and the lighten she had in her living were perfect. Her hair and the apples of her smiling cheeks caught the light perfectly. even from my place by the door her eyes were bright. The light and dark contrast of #Nova's coat always photographed well.

I smiled and walked to the couch, taking my seat carefully so didn't disturb the baby-mama... but being six foot tall and solid muscle made that hard. I handed her the wine and held out my phone. "See how beautiful you are?" I smiled at her.

❁ Harper ❁

Sitting up once again, I turned to smile and him when he sat on the couch. The view made the smile warmer. He was sat on an Emerald green velvet couch. And both he and #Nova, they made being here Right.

“Are you talking secret photos of Nova?”

I blanched; my stomach filled with butterflies as I took the phone from him. My eyes couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

“This… you… how?” It was me and Nova, however unlike anything I had seen before. “Collin, Jess wasn’t lying. you are so talented.”

Of course, I knew this. I had seen the story wall at his home. However, to see myself in one of them?

Shaking my head, I couldn’t stop looking at it.

❁ Collin ❁

"Sure, let's pretend that's what I was doing." I laughed, like my phone wasn't completely full of picture of her. Of course, she found a way to make how beautiful she looked about me,

"That's just you, Harper." I smiled. "And it's nothing compared to who I see you. But I'm not going to you lie... I would love to get you in front of my DSLR." My wolf stirred...

The tips of my ears burned. "Damn... did sound super pervy?" I chuckled... really hoping it didn't. But my heart didn't race like it normally would because deep down I knew she never assumed the worst.

❁ Harper ❁

That smile which loved to live in my lips when I was close to him, made an appearance one again.

The fluttering in my stomach telling me that the heat blooming within, had a glow to it of innocent banter.

“Well, Mr Littlesea. It would depend what your DSLR is?” #Nova shifting her head into the couch took a attention for a moment before I was back to him.

“For all I know you could be asking me to sand in front of a truck.” I giggled, an experience I hadn’t had in a long time, speaking with someone with some teasing. Even if I could imagine. It had something to do with photography. Maybe?

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed softly. "It's a camera... Let's just say it's a few steps up from an iPhone But I could definitely make posing with a truck work if you want." I grinned... because she was not that kinda woman.

I smiled and dropped my gaze to Nova, she was all curled up next to her. It made me smile. She really had a way with her... Sure Nova loved anyone that gave her belly rubs but there was a real bond with Harper.

"It still amazes me how good you are at what you do." I said... completely off topic. "Sorry." I laughed... "That was random... but look at her? How easily she feels safe with you? It's incredible."

❁ Harper ❁

“I…” I had nothing to say to that comment. Other than my cheeks flushing red. Not sure how or if I wanted to think about him and the kind of woman who did the truck posing. I had nothing on them.

Thankful for the timing of the subject change, and that also being about #Nova? Yes! I could talk about the baby girl all day and night.

“She is so trusting; she makes it easy.” One hand still brushing her fur “it’s also telling how young she is. Some husky, would become very touchy when being this pregnant.

❁ Collin ❁

I leaned in to kiss her blushing cheeks, one after another before I had realised what I had done. Face neck and face flushing... But I smiled at her.

My eyes met hers when I pulled back and smiled, the world around us fading away again and leaving only her and the baby-girl. “She is a sweet soul she deserves only the best... Just like you.”

My fingers brushed against her jaw, and my heart palpitated. My lips hoover near hers. “We should watch the end only the movie before I get very distracted.” I smiled. “I need to see if this carpenter comes through in the end.”

❁ Harper ❁

Everything stilled, the sounds of the movie and all around us stilled. I closed my eyes, and didn’t even know I was holding my breath.

It was just him, the baby girl, and me. The sounds of my heart becoming the whispers of my being with each innocent kiss he peppered at first I couldn’t find my voice. So I tried again. The heat palpitating between us. Nodding my head slowly.

“Hmm.. movie… yes..” but my attention remained on his lips, and the warmth of his breath. “We should watch.” I whispered, not pulling away I licked my lips and then shifted a little, my free hand on his chest, and then slowing moving up until I cupped his chin and moved it towards the screen.

“The TV is over there Mr Littlesea.” Honestly needing a reminder myself.

❁ Collin ❁

I heard the breath she took after a short pause. I feel her skin warming at my closeness and I longed to ask her if she liked it, or was too much after being so close for so long. Just like it always had been in the past.

Her gaze fixed on my mouth and the movement of her tongue between her lips drew my attention to hers. The butterflies stirred.

Then she made me laugh when she tilted my head back to the TV just in time to see the baker running up the carpenter's garden path.

“We can't miss this part.” I love the laughed softly. “She looks mad.” I took a sip from the wine glass and draped my arm over her shoulders again and tucked her into my side.

❁ Harper ❁

“We cannot miss this part.” I repeated tucking myself into his side. The wine glass to my lips for a small sip.

I glanced over to #Nova who lay unaware of all the things exploding in me. The butterflies, the anticipation, the need… the warmth... everything her daddy brought to life, just by being her with me.

“Oh…” we really did not need to miss this part of the movie, I thought to myself. And yet my eyes kept turning up to watch Collin, as he watched the movie.

I couldn’t help feel…. Comfortable, Excited, and… Myself, here with him.

❁ Collin ❁

I watched the story unfold as the fragile bud of a relationship disintegrated on the screen. I instinctively held her tighter, it was silly but it was true to how it made me feel. My fingers drew slow circles on her upper arm as we watched.

I couldn't help but think of us in their places.

But Harper wasn't the type to not let the other person speak. It was understandable though, the woman's dreams had been shattered. Even if it was clear the carpenter had no idea what just happened.

"That's going to be hard to come back from."

❁ Harper ❁

Something changed in the moments, as the tension between the two on the screen intensified. “Hmm.” I said as I felt the hold of Collin’s arm draw me closer.

“If only she would let him explain.” Goosebumps spread over my skin as his fingers drew on it. these were the parts of the movies where I would find myself on the edge. However, with Collin here. It wasn’t the same. I took another sip of my wine.

❁ Collin ❁

My finger continued there sweeping circles on her arm. "Sometimes people aren't ready to hear the other side." I said softly, my eyes still moving to her every few seconds.

"And sometimes people need to allow the that too... I don't think there is always a right and a wrong side... A lot of the time it's a hard situation that hurts everyone involved."

I took another sip, and a new thought entered my head. "That sweet little girl is going to be very confused."

❁ Harper ❁

Still watching the movie, however I stopped listening to it and started to listen to Collin. What he said really did resonate with me, so I filed it away for myself.

"𝒮𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒𝓈 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓃'𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒, 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒𝓈 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝑜𝑜... 𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒶 𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒶 𝓌𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒... 𝒜 𝓁𝑜𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒 𝒾𝓉'𝓈 𝒶 𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒹 𝓈𝒾𝓉𝓊𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒾𝓃𝓋𝑜𝓁𝓋𝑒𝒹."

There was such truth in those words.

“Hmm… Although.” I looked to him. “Children are the ones who end up being the voice of reason in the end.”

❁ Collin ❁

"They just see how happy people are together and want them to stay that way... but at a certain point you need more than love, you need dedication and communication."

I gave her arm a gentle squeeze. "They're just working on that last one right now." I chuckled. "Not very well..." I chuckled and shrugged. "But I'm an optimist."

I was an optimist, but most people called me a realist. But I was both and the realist said told me that the problem on the screen was something that could be solved with clear heads.

❁ Harper ❁

Picking up some popcorn after another sip of my wine. I thought of Collin’s explanation. “Would you say that children are just innocent enough to want people to be together and happy at the end?”

Really, I agreed with his analyzation. I just hadn’t been with someone who saw things the way Collin did. “And I like that you are optimistic. Sometimes life makes us push the pessimistic button in us a little too hard.”

❁ Collin ❁

“Kids are so much quicker to see magic.” I smiled. “And that's what love is really when they see something that pure... We need to pay attention and realise it's worth working for.”

Then I laughed, sipping my wine again. “Sorry, that really wasn't very romantic, was it?” But to me it was. Loving someone enough that you would reshape your life to make them fit together? Searching for a balance together. And putting that relationship on the very top of all your lists?

Did it get any better than that?

❁ Harper ❁

My ears started to prick as I heard him explain his view on it all. I shifted out of his side so that I could really look at him. Should I tell him? I wonder to myself, and then I do. Because… cards on the table and all.

“Actually, I think it is romantic.” Carefully so not to Wake #Nova I turned to face him and not the tv.

“Out of nowhere, sometimes you feel this connection with another. You have two choices. First- See it through and give it your all. Make them your number one and show them your all. That is how a child would react. Or I believe Anyway. Or Second- hide in the what ifs. Don’t tell them what you feel, and play games. Games which could end up backfiring. Which is how I feel more of the grown-up population of the world, does it.”

I shook my head. “I like the children’s option. This is me. Take me. Or leave Me.” My cheeks filled with a rush of blood. I hadn’t meant to say the last part out loud. However, it was true. So, maybe I had.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled. "You really are perfect." I blurted and turned a bright shade of red. I sipped from the glass again, hoping that it would cover some of the reaction.

But of course, it made sense that even with her love of these highly romanticised movies that she believed that even if love came naturally and without warning, maybe even beyond your control at times... A relationship was built and tended, it needed time, attention, and effort.

"There really something to be said for nurturing a relationship. You can't just love someone and hope for the best. Just like you said... And I think when kids see the purity of it... it's a sign that it will be so worth it."

❁ Harper ❁

If you place a fish out of water next to my face in this moment, we will look like twins. My mouth opened and closed a few times before I gave up and brought the rim of my wine glass to my lips. Drinks a number of small sips from it.

Shifting again, I turned to look at the TV before Whispering. “You are perfect too Collin.” Another rush of heat engulfed me, and I wished I’d not gone so fast at drinking the wine. It was what had my lips talking so freely? Or was it jus the fact that when I found myself with this man. I felt safe enough to be myself with the knowledge he wouldn’t judge me.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled; my heart was racing quietly in my chest. I took another sip and turned into her. Resting my cheek against her hair, I didn’t kiss her. Just Brushed the tip of my nose against her hair.

What was there for either of us to say now? She was perfect for me, and I hoped and prayed that I could be perfect for her too. I would do what it took to be that for her. I knew any of the other guys would say something silly like I guess that means we are well matched. But I didn’t. I just brushed my fingers against her arm and nuzzled my cheek against her hair. My eyes flitting from a sleeping #Nova to the TV.

❁ Harper ❁

Closing my eyes for a few moments, I took in a few small deep breaths. His scent was intoxicating and so welcoming. He felt…. Like… home. I smiled opening my eyes, resting into him. The way he is resting into me just fit perfectly.

We both watched the movie now. Miss #Nova stirring from time to time. Kicking the air, or my side making me laugh. She spoke to herself as she dreamt and I placed a hand on her tummy, rubbing. “Shh…you aren’t alone baby girl.” I whispered to her. His fingers writing on the soft skin of my arm comforting

❁ Collin ❁

She stole my breath away when she eased against my side. I was pretty I made some kind of breathy sigh and really hoped she hadn't heard it.

"We should do this again." I whispered. "Really, really soon. " I could do this with her every night for the rest of my life. Nothing had ever felt more like home than this. I had grown up always feeling like I was exactly where it was meant... like I was home. But this was so much more than that.

I set the glass down and reached across Harper to stroke #Nova between her ears. "It's okay, baby girl... This is a safe place." I smiled her legs batted at the air or against Harper. I kissed the side of Harper's head when the mamma-to-be settled.

"Next time we do this there could be a box full of puppies involved." I laughed softly.

❁ Harper ❁

The way he comforted #Nova sent a sweet warmth to my heart. Once again, I was reminded of my first thought about him when we met, and when I realised #Nova was pregnant. How I thought he was one of those people who wanted to make money from this beautiful girl without a care for her of her health. How wrong had I been? I see just how much He loves her…

“If you still feel this way when the movie is over. However, I taped the side of him. “We still have to even this night out with flying sharks?” My smile prominent in my words. my gaze back in #Nova seeing how she settles to her daddy’s voice and touch.

“Puppy sitting and movies? Sounds perfect.” And it really did. Not sure how much of the movie I would be watching when there were puppies in the room.

❁ Collin ❁

She had this way about her she could be lost in deep thought one second and the next she was teasing me. "They aren't flying sharks!" I scoffed, laughing. They just get sucked up by tornadoes... you'll see... it's all very scientific. You have to see it to believe it." I grinned as I rambled.

It was strange how comfortable I was rambling with her. Because she would listen and then ramble herself. It was a perfect balance. "Sounds chaotic!" I chuckled. "But I think between the two of us we can make it work."

❁ Harper ❁

Sitting up once again, I sipped from my glass of wine. Smiling as I watched and listened to him ramble. It was the cutest thing I have witnessed with him and I really liked it. “I mean, if it is scientific… who am I to point out that shakes out of water in a tornado wouldn’t really love for too long. However… it’s scientific… so, it will be okay.”

Shaking my head, I turned to watch he screen. My heart skipped, and I pulled myself back into his side. “I will have to see it, to believe it.”

❁ Collin ❁

I grinned, far too delighted by her playing along with my silly rouse. “Oh yeah… you and I are gonna get along just fine!” I laughed and kissed her hair again. Her easy, unpretentious sense of humour was just so perfect. She has one of those people that could find fun and reasons to smile or laugh in the smallest maybe even ridiculous things. And I have a bad habit of being ridiculous… so I took this as a blessing.

“Don’t worry, I won’t keep you in suspense for too long.” I smiled. turning my attention to the movie again and trying not to overthink how to ask her when she was free again to make the plan. My wolf grumbled something about at least pretending to play it cool. But Harper didn’t care if I was cool or not… That was a blessing too.

❁ Harper ❁

“I was counting on it Mr Littlesea.” I smiled into the rim of my wine glass. The alcohol in it making my chest, ears and cheeks warm.

We watched the movie continue and I shook my head at the misunderstanding. If only she would let him explain. I thought to myself .“Hmm.. how about this weekend?” I said without thinking. “Juan is back in town and I have my first weekend off since I came to town.”

As soon as the words were out I kicked myself mentally. What if he had plans? What if he didn’t want to see me so soon again? What was I thinking?

“I mean… well… Uhm… if you don’t have plans that is. And it doesn’t have to be this weekend. I’m—“ I put my glass back to my lips to shut my rambling off.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, I could do this with her for days. Longer.

"This weekend..." My heart skittered and those butterflies were routing again. "Yeah... I mean. Since you're free and all. That would be amazing. I do have something Saturday morning..." I had a patrol to run. "But I'll be done by lunch and then I'm all yours." I smiled.

I had to think hard to remember what I heard on the TV because when she was the one talking about our next date I lost all ability to focus.

❁ Harper ❁

Had the butterflies in my tummy multiplied three time over? Because it felt like they had. He wasn’t making up reasons no to meet? He wanted to?

“That.. works.” Smiling, I hadn’t expected him to be free. “gym..” I blurted out. “I mean. I’m meant to be working out with Char in the morning. So lunchtime is perfect actually.”

I saw the screen; I saw the images changing. However, nothing would be caught at the way all I could think about now was that he really did want to see me again.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed softly at her randomly blurted word. “Ah!” I smile broadly. “I thought you wanted to switch it to a gym date for a second. And I wouldn’t be opposed.” My gaze settled on her blush.

I chuckled at how shocked she looked that was free. “I told you the life of a tradesmen is a blessed one, all weekends and holidays off.”

I watched the screen as the lead makes sister revealed that the guy at quit the job that swindled the pretty blonde out of her bakery. “And the plot thickens! I knew he had to be an honest guy!”

❁ Harper ❁

That grabbed my attention. “You would want to put up with a workout as a date?” I mean it had been expected for #Char and I had been doing.. well, friends dates to catch up as both of use worked crazy hours.

“Enjoy it, I say I cannot remember the last weekend I took off.” As I said it, I did. However, dad’s passing didn’t count. I watched at the twist in the story.

“If only she gave him the time to explain in the first place.”

❁ Collin ❁

"I like the gym... I don't go very often. I get plenty of heavy lifting done at work but in my opinion, you can make anything a date if you make the most of being there with someone." I smiled at her.

Something dark came over her for a moment and mu wrapped my arm around her shoulders again and tightened my hold on her.

"It would have saved a lot of pain... but I don't think it was unforgivable. And I like that he didn't keep showing up to try and have his say." I turned into her brushing my nose against her hair and whispered. "You know I will always hear you out. No matter what you have to say. I'll always listen."

❁ Harper ❁

I hide my face into his side. Closing my eyes and taking in a slow deep breath. The scent of wood, pine, forest, Nova and now my perfume all mixed made a new scent, unlike any other.

“I’m not sure how I feel about it.” I turned my head to watch the movie one again. some part of me wishes that he did show up, to make her listen. To understand.” Thinking for a moment. “And then I feel it’s right to give her the time, to understand that she is so in her feels, that she is missing his.” It was a hard one.

I closed my eyes again. listen to his voice the sound from the tv blurred. ‘Even if I say the wrong thing? Or have to try to make words fit when I don’t know what I am saying.’ I thought, I couldn’t say them out loud.

“It’s a promise?” I turned to look at him. So, close that I felt his breath.

❁ Collin ❁

I had to suppress what knew could only be called a whimper. Something low in my stomach turned over when I heard her taking in that deep, slow breath... Was she memorising my scent? It even with her human senses... She was feeling out intense connection.

I tilted my head, resting my cheek against her hair, thinking about what she said 𝕤𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕠 𝕚𝕟 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕤𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕙𝕚𝕤.

“I didn't really think about that... You're right?” I though about for a moment. “But it's a test right? Can he be understanding to know this bakery was the most important thing in her world. And can she realise that she was wrong not let him speak? If they care enough they'll work on it.” I smiled.

I lifted my head at the same time and turned to look at. I smiled softly and brushed my fingers against her hair. “Promise.” I whispered. “You could be raving about the great deal you got on eggs at the market, so angry you can hardly talk or making absolutely no sense at all and I will listen to every single word.” I laugh softly. “Especially when you're making no sense at all... It's kinda like one of my superpowers.”

❁ Harper ❁

“A test…” I hadn’t seen this side of the story. And it occurred to me, I had been thinking one way. And Collin another. And now that we had the other to speak it over with. We saw something new?

This made me smile. Two sides of the same coin, however you need another’s eyes to see it.

“I’m sure they will both see what the other needs. Maybe right now not so much.” The baker really had some evolving to do.

“Gym dates and promises to hear a girl out. All good things Mr Littlesea.” My eyes taking him in, as I felt his finger playing with my hair.

“And now there are superpowers. What are you hiding for me? No one person can be this perfect!” I laughed softly. The movement of me tuning made #Nova wake.

She jumped off the couch and walked off into the kitchen. I leant over to see if she was okay. her head bent down into the bowl of water made me smile too.

❁ Collin ❁

"Not that they are testing each other... I don't think that they are the type of people that play those games. But a test from the universe." I smiled at her and leaned in to kiss her temple. "I'm far from perfect. But every time I make you smile... or laugh... it feels like a superpower."

❁ Harper ❁

My attention back. “Okay. I like that a little better.” I tell you. Feeling the warmth of her lips on my temples. Those butterflies awake again. Lifting the veggie and the dips and bringing them back to us. I hold them se you can have some.

“It’s a selfish thing I know. however, I like your superpower.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled. "I've known a lot of game players... and I don't those two fits that bill."

I smiled and I turned into her smelling her hair... she always smelled so good. "It's not selfish... Because making you laugh gives me a healthy dose of happiness too." I grinned eyes on the TV again.

"So, feel free to laugh even when I'm not funny." I watched as the pair made up and agreed to go to the wedding together. "I think I may be a fan of this genre."

❁ Harper ❁

Carrot stick in my mouth I laughed at his requests. “Deal.” I said before I too turned to watch the tv.

I let out a “ahh.” When the baker came around to talk to him. And the two worked out their differences. More so. They would go to the wedding of his sister together. it gave hope to the hopeless.

“You are? After only one movie.” Chewing on the carrot. “I won’t say I told you so. However,…” #Nova came back from the kitchen and lay herself down by our feet, bully and feet up in the air. “Poor little baby girl.”

❁ Collin ❁

"I mean I know people are all about the convoluted plot twists and wild endings, but sometimes it's nice to just see life as it really could happen. The world needs more optimism and this is good... because it's not blind optimism." I smiled. "You can say I told you so all you want." I grinned at Nova's belly flop and gently rubbed her round belly with my foot gently, her leg started to kick.

"I think she really starting to feel the extra weight now." But I couldn't help the laugh when her tongue lolled out to the side. "But she still loves the little things."

❁ Harper ❁

“I told you so!” Laughing softly I turned my attention to him as he took #Nova in now.

“She is going to feel it even more as time goes on. However, she is in good hands. You and your support circle are amazing with her. Your cousins have stepped up to help too. It’s really something positive to see.”

I said and then tapped his leg. “Not with your foot. Those are little balls of precious cargo in there, and the baby girl is even more precious.” And then her leg kicked making that point null and void because she was showing us her pleasure.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled down at #Nova. “My family have really stepped up to help... But I'm going to take a little time off when the puppies are due. I haven't taken any vacation time in a while so my boss is cool with it.”

I chuckled at her when she told me not to use my foot but then #Nova kicking the air. “I've been doing this since she was smaller than my foot.” I laughed. “I learned how to be gentle very early.”

❁ Harper ❁

Giving the baby girl another glance I laughed softly. She was so content in her space and knew her dad was watching over her. The fact that her feet where in the air, and her belly up told me she felt safe. And it warmed my heart to know this. “You may be genetically playing however; I’m going to still tell you off.” I wasn’t. I knew he wasn’t hurting her of the babies. Collin would never do such a thing.

Taking a small handful of popcorn, I curled my feet back under my bottom and sat to pick up the movie. The wedding was set in a barn with a hand carved arch the brother made for his sister. “So simple. So pretty.” I smiled pushing the rim of my glasses up my nose as the wedding march plays.

❁ Collin ❁

"Okay, okay!" I smiled and stopped the belly rub, Nova huffed a little but she was clearly far too comfortable to get up to look for more pets. "Since you're the expert I'll give in just once." This may have been a lie... I could imagine there was very little she could tell me off about that I wouldn't give in to.

I leaned forward to set my glass on the table and watched the baby-girls eyes droop closed. I smiled.

Now that she was settled - not on Harper's lap - I could finally pull her closer. She curled her feet under her and I slipped my arm behind her, drawing her against my side and resting my other arm around her waist. As close as I could get to holding her without pulling her into my lap. "It's beautiful." I smiled. I helped make something similar for my cousin's wedding. It wasn't like that one. We made it to fit on their veranda, and when they were on their honeymoon we added it to the entrance so every time they come home they walk under the arch they were married under."

❁ Harper ❁

He moved me so close, and so easily. Not once thinking about the length of my legs or how to bring me into his side. He just made it feel so right, and like something had been amiss until now.

“You did?” I stopped chewing and my eyes were back on his face as he spoke. how beautiful and so touching. A part of their wedding will always be there as a reminder of the vows they took under it, and then it’s there every day. I love that.”

He was so talented and thoughtful too. “And it must have taken so much time to complete?”

❁ Collin ❁

She gave no signs that she didn’t want to be near me. She fit so perfectly against me… just more proof that we were made for each other. And the way she eased into my side… i warmed my my 108 degree heart even more.

“Brady and I were pretty young at the time, but this was always something we were good at. We didn’t work on it as much as some of the other. But I didn’t take that long. So many people wanted the work on it. And one of the older guy had the idea about making it part or the veranda… He has this thing about doors.” I smiled.

❁ Harper ❁

I felt myself with him, like there was nothing to hide from.

“Brady and you both work well together don’t you?” I recall being told about how they work together full time. Friends and work partners too.

I could help but smile and allow it to grow.

“Now I feel there is a story here to share. A thing about doors? Do elaborate in this for me Mr Littlesea.”

Laughing softly before adding. “Only if you want to and can. I do not mean to pry in anyway.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, keeping my ears trained on #Nova’s sleepy sounds. “Yeah, we always have… we’ve been best friends since…” I laughed. “Probably since before we even knew what best friends were. We balance each other out you know… he’s impulsive… I’m more of a planner. So when we were little he helped me to just be hi with flow sometimes. And I helped him reign it in when it was time to get serious.”

My fingers toyed gently with the fabric of her shirt where the rested at her side.

“When it comes to work... I don't know how... But we both look a sketch and we can create practically identical pieces. Maybe because we learned together and used the techniques. The Boss calls us Soul Twins.” I chuckled.

I laughed again when she asked about #Embry. “Embry is... A little weird to be honest. In the best way, he takes care of people without letting them know he is doing it. He never locks his door so that we always have a safe place to be... Even if it's just to play video games or because you don't feel like being alone... And obviously if something is actually wrong. And we look after him by taking him up on the open invitation. He doesn't like to be alone.”

❁ Harper ❁

Watching him told me so much. The way his eyes light up when he speaks of his best friend, their work and how they know each other so well.

It makes me smile even more. Because I knew this feeling. The balancing. The being their and understanding your friends. I had two myself And then #Embry.

“Embry is the guy from the bar? With the red jeep who Leah kicked out from behind her bar area?” Trying to place faces to names.

“He doesn’t lock his door?” It wasn’t unheard of in Thompson Falls to do. However, it hear it how Collin shares the insight makes me wonder.

“He is there for you and you are there for him. That is sweet.”

❁ Collin ❁

The way she looked at me made me smile. I nodded when she remembered him.

“That’s him… He has poor self-preservation skills.” I chuckled. “But he’s a good guy really. We found ourselves part of an unusual group of friends but it’s amazing… Its keeps life fun and interesting.”

❁ Harper ❁

Smiling I turn my eyes back to the screen. “Normal is overrated if you ask me. We all need a little something unique about their group of friends.”

❁ Collin ❁

My heart skipped again. She was… just completely perfect…

I pressed a soft, kiss to her hair breathing in her scent. It woke the butterflies in my stomach one more time. “One more thing we can agree on.” I said with a soft laugh.

❁ Harper ❁

We both sat in silence as the movie came to its conclusion and the end credits began to roll. “Welcome to the Hallmark movie clue.” Saying as I stretched a little. Turning my attention to him. “What do you think?”

❁ Collin ❁

I could have sat here all night like this with her. The way she fit against my side, the feeling of have her in my arms was beyond description. But the ending cam around and made me smile.

“I liked it. It’s nice to see a hopeful story and a happy ending for that little kid needed a little joy in her life for sure.” I smiled.

“And I always love and ending that feels like a beginning, you know?”

❁ Harper ❁

“I do know what you mean. There were so many happy endings in the story, not just the main protagonists.”

I knew I should move, to give him space. However, looking down at #Nova and how comfortable she was, and then how it felt to be next to him. It make me stay in place a beat too long.

“Would you like some of the ice cream?” Finally sitting up to face him.

“Unless you have to go?” These plans had just come about, that I didn’t want to encroach on his evening.

❁ Collin ❁

“The wedding, the new business… actually two of them. The staff being made partners and a new family starting” I smiled and glanced down at #Nova.

I tried to contain the excitement that she was asking me to stay longer… not that I had expected her to suggest I leave the second the credits rolled or anything… but she wanted me to stay and have ice cream with her. She wanted more time together… and that meant more to me than she could know.

“I would love to… my plan was for the evening was to hang out with Nova and let her rest…” I grinned when her ear twitched at her name and nothing more. “And she is far more relaxed here than she normally is at home.” I brushed my fingers against her cheek. “As long as I’m not overstaying my welcome?”

❁ Harper ❁

My eyes followed his to #Nova and I was smiling once again. That girl was too cute. And I knew she was listening to every word being said. However, seeing her so calmly sleeping, drifting in and out of sleep. It can’t a easy warmth to my heart. My gaze returned to meet his. and my heart missed a beat or two when his warm hand touched my cheek.

“You… are not over staying your welcome.” I reassured him. “We bought ice cream for this reason remember?”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, my facing flushing a little. “Good… ice cream it is then.” I slipped my palm beneath hers and curled my fingers around her hand.

“Shall we!” I stood up and gently pulled her up to her feet…#Nova immediately stole the warm spot ona s couch and sprawled out over it.

❁ Harper ❁

My hand in his, he pulled me off the couch in such an easy manner that I giggled like a school girl. And then I laughed softly as #Nova jumped into our vacated spot

“You deserve it baby girl.” I pattered her head. “We shall.” I told her dad before making our way into the kitchen

❁ Collin ❁

That sound she made when she giggled made my heart skip. I laughed softly. “It amazing how she should fit on one cushion but managed to take over the entire couch, isn’t it?” I laughed and walked into the kitchen with her. Retrieving the ice cream from the freezer.

“So now the question remains…” I grinned. “Who does one eat every flavour of ice cream under the sun?” My smiled widened. “And there is a wrong answer!” I added like a playful warning.

❁ Harper ❁

“We ladies need to spread out, it’s kind of needed for us to feel at home.” Looking back over my shoulder to him as I gather a couple of bowls, spoons and the ice cream scoop.

Setting them down on the table I sat down and bite my lips. I knew what I wanted to say. However, I too was fully aware of how people thought me a little out there.

Clearing my throat. “Well, I would eat all of once flavour first and then move on to the mix. Starting with the least favourite.” Closing one eye to wince waiting to be told it is the wrong answer.

❁ Collin ❁

"Oh, so it’s a female thing! And here I thought that it was tiny-creatures-trying-to-look-bigger thing..." I chuckled and peeled off the lid... "But you're tall... so I must be mistaken." I set the tub next to the bowls she had taken out and without thinking I rested my hand her back between her shoulder blades.

"Hmm..." I thought about her answer. "Saving the best for last. I like that... Patience and restraint... Not bad qualities." I smiled, sinking into her warm brown eyes. "The wrong answer was mixing it all in a grey-ish bowl of ice cream soup."

I deliberately didn't tell her my method hoping she might not ask.

❁ Harper ❁

The scoop in hand his expression made me pause. Of course for animals that is the reason. However, I wasn’t going to say it about #Nova. I was ‘fighting’ her corner here. However, it is the fact that #Kenz just popped into my head. The smallest of our group who always needs the most space in bed.

“I’ve never those about it, as you say. Not something I would with my height” the curve of a smile playing on my lips. The warmth on his touch made my cheeks heat, taking the tub of ice cream from him I began to scoop.

When our eyes met the slight shake of my head telling him I disagree.

“No. I’m not going to agree with you. There is no wrong answer here. We all enjoy things in different ways. I need to eat it my way, it give me pleasure and joy. If you need to eat it another way. That is not wrong Collin.”

smiling I took out a bigger bowl and then placed it before him.

“This one is better to mix in.” Pushing the rim of my glasses up my nose, I kissed his cheek. Whispering in his ear. “I would like to try a little, If you’d share with me?” Something told me it is his method.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her… not able to help but look down the length of her frame. Then I suddenly realised that it probably looked like I was checking her out… but I was just appreciating her height. (And maybe everything else too) Her height was perfect… when I wrapped my arms around her, she fit against me just right. Her lips were only inches from mine, and she could comfortably rest her head on my shoulder. We were… just right, two puzzle pieces.

She wanted to try mixing it all together… it made me laugh. Until I felt her breath on my neck and against my ear… my own caught in my throat. My heart sped up and I toyed with her hair where it fell down her back. “That….” I whispered back… “Was very convincing.” I chuckled and tried to get a hold of myself. “Let’s do it… I mean we can’t judge if we haven’t tried it can we.”

❁ Harper ❁

“I’m good at convincing you. Others not so much.” Nodding my head I went back to scooping out the ice cream. Stopping at I placed two in the big bowl and turned my glaze to him.

“Wait, you didn’t actually tell me how you like to eat yours. I’m making an assumption of course however I’m not certain if it’s the correct one.”

My smile grew and I wondered if he was as taken by the closeness between us as I was?

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed, my cheeks flushing already. “You caught that?” I shook my head. “I should have known that you would... Okay. I can reveal my dark secret. But...”

I leaned my hip against the counter. “I want to hear your guess first. I'm too curious now.”

❁ Harper ❁

“Oh. Now I am being tested?” Laughing I mirror him and rest my hip to the counter at the same time as I make sure we have all the flavours in the bowl.

“Not one by one.” I say, he would have agreed with me. “Not a full mix it up” he called them mad. “Hmm… you take it as it comes?” That couldn’t be it. From what I knew about Collin, he liked order. However, did he in his food too?

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed and dropped my eyes, flushing again under her careful scrutiny. “No one at a time…” I nodded. “But apparently I have a bad habit of making my way around the bowl in a clockwise direction… I denied this for years… but it’s not exactly untrue.”

My hand trailed to her arm as she turned to lean against the counter too. My heart beat a little harder when her eyes met mine. “But I like t mix certain flavours… like chocolate and mint… and strawberry and vanilla.

❁ Harper ❁

His touch awoke the Lepidoptera who had never slept for long in my tummy.

The sound of our laughter reverberating the kitchen. Making #Nova give us a bark. As to say; ‘Do you mind, pregnant girl trying to nap here.’

Placing a finger over my lips to say we need to keep it down “There is nothing wrong in eating your ice cream that way.”

Leaning in I pushed my shoulder against his chest.

“And some flavours enhance one another, just like some people come into your life and the same life becomes so much more.” I blinked at those words. Had I just said them? However, it was true. He had come into my life, and now it felt like I was living in Technicolor.

❁ Collin ❁

I shook my head at #Nova’s bark. “I think her hormones are kicking in.” I whispered.

I smiled at her “Yeah but you’re just as weird as me so you won’t judge.” I chuckled. “My sister says I have OCD. But she’s too sweet to mean anything be it really.”

Then she said what she said and my heart stopped for a second. “I know exactly how you feel… I don’t think I’ve ever been so glad to meet someone as I am that I met you.” And was the biggest understatement of the century.

❁ Harper ❁

“Thank you. I believe this is the kindest thing you have ever said to me. In me eyes being weird is an honour.”

Shaking my head out of the dream like place it always went to when he was close. The song still a whisper as if it is a sound track that will follow us as long as we are together playing. I broke my eyes away feeling my cheeks heat and redden.

“I’m glad you agree with me.” My heart racing a million miles away.

“Come, let’s eat this ice cream before it is milkshake.”

Closing the tub, I returned it to the freezer.

❁ Collin ❁

“I think so too… Being normal is an insult.” I laughed. “But if that is the kindest thing I have said to you I really need to step up my compliment game.”

I smiled when I saw her cheeks flush and peeked back into the leaving room. “Nova still has your couch claimed.” I Chuckled, picking up the bowls as she put the tub back. “Should we eat the table?” I smiled and set them on the tables.

❁ Harper ❁

“You really should. And then I will be left speechless, and it would be a very quiet night for you.”

Shaking my head. I grabbed one of the bowls and his hand. “No. Nova is in there. We can sit on the rug.. if you don’t mind sitting on the floor that is.”

Stopping to look back at him. “I know not everyone likes doing it.” Just because I felt comfortable down there I wouldn’t make him sit on the floor if he didn’t want to.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her… she would rather sit on the floor than disturb Nova or leave her on her own. “You are incredible” The words rushed out and heat flared up the back of my neck to the tips of my ears until I was certain that the was bright red.

I cleared my throat. “Um… Who Doesn’t love and indoor picnic?” I smiled and slipped my fingers between hers. Letting her lead me back to the living room.

Nova watched us with sleepy eyes and promptly went back to sleep after we settled ourselves onto the rug. “It really doesn’t bother you does it? That I brought my dog over and she completely took over your house?” I smiled because I knew it was true. Even the guys weren’t that understanding… but with the pregnancy they all mellowed. But still… she didn’t put up with her… she genuinely loved having Nova around

❁ Harper ❁

“You are incredible” Now there were three words a girl did not hear every day. And it made a warm sweet glow rush up inside of me.

I didn’t dare look back at him as he allowed me to lead him into the living room. Before my face I was certain would have been red generally I took two cushions from behind #Nova setting one to his side, before I sat myself cross legged facing him with #Nova on the couch beside us.

Hugging my cushion, leaning into it I sat half filling my spoon before looking over to Collin.

“I’m sorry? What do you mean? Why would having Nova here bother me?”

Reaching my hand out I rubbed her swollen belly.

“She’s giving up her time to be here with me.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled... Spirits she was beautiful when that deep red flooded her cheeks. Okay... she was always beautiful... but sights like this made me wish I could take out my phone and snap a picture. That would be weird though, right?

“Yes,” My wolf grumbled.

"Believe it or not... most people don't normally bring their dog everywhere they go. It's crazy." I nodded dramatically and watched her with Nova... "But apparently it's true."

❁ Harper ❁

Looking over to Collin with curious eyes, the smile on my lips grown when I saw the red in his cheeks and his ears! When he had his hair pulled back. I could see how his ears went red. A tell I loved to see.

“This cannot be true. Why would someone not bring their baby? shaking my head.

“I’m sure we have made it clear, Mr Littlesea. I only agreed to coffee/ hot chocolate with you to spend more time with this beautiful girl.”

Softly laughing my gaze on #Nova now. “If you aren’t welcome somewhere baby girl.. I wouldn’t want to be there.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled her… those gorgeous eyes are shining brightly at me, making heart beat without a rhythm. “I can’t understand it either .” I laughed. “But lately no one complains… they’ve all gone soft now that she’s having puppies.”

I laughed, the smile totally took over my face. “Well… in that case should i just dropping her off with out on your days off…” I gave her a cheeky smirk. “Since Nova is the real prize.”

But she’d made it very clear she enjoyed my company too. But Nova… She was special.

❁ Harper ❁

Smiling and sucking on the spoon while listening to Collin.

“They wouldn’t be mean to a mama to be. And you Mr Littlesea, wouldn’t be able to drop and run. You would suffer from FOMO. With all the fun Nova and I would have on our visits.”

Taking another spoonful. “I would turn Nova into a Hallmark puppy just you wait and see.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled and nodded in agreement with her. “They’ve all been really great with her. Especially helping look after her when I need to work and stuff. But you’re right… I wouldn’t pass up a chance at time with my two favourite ladies.”

I grinned and reached over to pat nova on her back leg.

❁ Harper ❁

Whispering into #Nova’s ear.

“Do you want to tell your auntie and nani what your dad just said? Or shall I? Because there is no way he is upping you and I on his list with his mama bear and baby sister in the mix, right?”

Watching Collin with a big smile on my lips.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled softly.

"Oh don't worry about that." The tips of my ears flushed pink. "They no all about you. Especially Ana... She asks a lot more questions than Mom does."

Mom was the type that let you come to her with information, but Ana; was plain nosey... Lovingly nosey.

❁ Harper ❁

Dropping my spoonful of ice cream into the bowl. Catching it before it bounces out.

“I’m sorry… they… Uhm.. they do? They know about me?”

My eyes widened as my face turned hot.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed softly scooping up another mouthful of ice cream. “I video chat with my sister almost everyday… she always bows when something new is going on. I couldn’t help myself. I have old her about our hot chocolate date. And Mom would have heard in the diner, so I told her about that before anyone else did.”

Smiled, watching her cheeks flare with colour. “If it makes you feel better they both think you sound amazing and really want to meet you.”

❁ Harper ❁

He was.. is… definitely extraordinary. The tips of his ears were the same colour of red as I felt.

“No… it’s… it’s not about making me feel better..”

Shaking my head, uncertain I could say it correctly.

“I just.. uhm… I didn’t think men spoke about… you know… I mean… you know Kenzie and Jena know all about you. And for the record they like you a lot. Well…Kenz does”

I teased because Jena was a hard nut and she had been cracked for him.

“You told your Mom and Ana about the hot chocolate date!” I had to smile. I liked that he did

❁ Collin ❁

“Oh…” I chuckled. “I mean I guess it’s probably not a normal thing off the Rez.” My eye moved over her features. That flustered flushed looked my head beat faster.

“And I wouldn’t normally… but I… it wasn’t… just…” I struggled to find the words. “Any other date. You

know… it was with you.” I smiled and took another bite to stall and try compose a full sentence.

“And I was just really nervous. Mom’s always pick up on that. And Ana… well honestly… we talk about that stuff a lot.”

❁ Harper ❁

Moving to sit up on my knees, I set the spoon in the blow and kisses his cheek.

“I like that you told them. That you have such an incredible relationship with them.”

Whispering to him and then kissing his cheek again before sitting back on my bottom again.

I was smiling ear to ear once again. Picking up my spoon full again, feeling like I was walking on clouds. He wasn’t hiding me from his family. That was… nice.

❁ Collin ❁

I set my spoon into my bowl when she started leaning towards me. I closed my eyes and smiled when she pressed her lips to my cheek. Which of course intently flushed bright red.

"I'm very lucky..." I said softly. "My family are really great. But If I knew talking about them would earn me kisses I would have done it more often."

I took another spoonful and looked up at her again. "They all want to meet you... if you would like too." My heart thumped now.

❁ Harper ❁

My cheeks flushed even more so, my eyes staying down in my bowl as I pushed the rim of my glasses up the bridge of my nose.

My mouth and lips cold with the chill of the ice cream before I kissed his cheek. And then a rush of warmth countered it.

I dropped my spoon again, my eyes shooting up to meet his.

“Meet your family?” I whispered with a shaky breath. What was there to think about here?

“I… Uhm… I would love to.”

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed a little in disbelief. “Really? You would?”

I beamed, her eyes on mine and my spoon was frozen in mid-air.

“You don't think it's too fast anything?” I really needed to stop listening to the guys. “I’ve been told my timing with things like this is really bad. But I think it would be brilliant. And you've met Dad already.”

❁ Harper ❁

Pushing my glasses up my nose again. I shifted to rest my back on the couch.

“I know, that was my first thought. However…” placing a hand on my chest. The small tug and the warmth back. “It doesn’t feel wrong… I don’t know. I cannot explain it. And like you say. I know Kevin and Mr Custard already.”

Now wondering if it had been a joke, and I hadn’t picked up on it? Should I have said no? Was there a time thing? Why was I so bad at this dating thing?

“However, maybe you are right? Maybe it’s too soon.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her, I could there being slight issues with us making plans from time to time. It didn't worry me, because we could make it work. "I agree... I never liked the way people lay out set timelines for things. I would really like you to meet the, I don't think that it's too soon... Like you said it just feels right."

My eyes moved over her face and wondered what she was thinking. "I would really love for to you met them all together... How does a family dinner sound? Mom loves to cook for people."

❁ Harper ❁

Without thinking I’d begun to play with the spoon in my blow. And now what ice cream was in there had been mixed into a thick cream like consistency.

My eyes moved back up to meet his, with my cheeks burning with the yo-yo effect in my mind and heart. Add to this my stomach jumping into knots.

“Family dinner? With all the Littlesea’s?” I slowly nodded. “Maybe you should ask your mom? Are you sure she would be okay with cooking?”

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled, smiling at her fidgeting with the spoon. “I've been told to ask you to dinner twice nor. And to ask if you're vegan or vegetarian and whether it not you have any allergies.” I laughed again.

“I did tell her I knew it you weren't vegetarian but she still told me I had to ask.”

I shook my head smiling. My mom was a character. “But she had a point about the allergies. I probably should have asked you before I cooked for you.”

❁ Harper ❁

My heart swelled with an unexpected burst of warmth, this was unlike anything I had experienced before, and it wasn’t the same of how Collin made me feel.

It was towards his mom, the care, the thought, the fact that she had wanted to meet me and not just because I was Mr Custard’s vet.

My eyes prickled a little, and I smiled shaking my head.

“If I were allergic to anything I would have told you before coming to dinner.”

Shaking my head once again. “I would love to visit and meet your family.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled wide... too wide. My heart raced... I knew that this would be amazing. But there was a little conflict too, I knew there would be a little bittersweetness to it for Harper. A family meal... I knew she has her own family... blood or not, but a meal with both parents at the table? I was sure that would bring up a lot of emotions for her.

"You'll love my family, I promise and they will love you. Ananya tried to act tough and protective. But she can't pull it off for more than ten minutes before she her sweet side shows through."

I set my now empty bowl aside and shifted closer to her.

"I can't wait to let them meet you, because life can only get better after meeting you, Dr Jenkins." I pressed a soft kiss to her temple.

❁ Harper ❁

The thought hadn’t even occurred to me until Collin mentioned it.

“ Protective?” And a conversation from some time ago came to light. He has been very sick as a child. His mom had been worried about him and had been protecting her son.

“Your sister is going to hate me.” Shifting where I sat. “She will feed me to the fishes.” I continued looking down. “She will did a hole and—“ I burst out laughing because I couldn’t hold it back any longer.

“Collin. It will be lovely to keep your family. Your mom and dad have a son like you. They taught you to be this good person. So, I know they are good people too. As for your sister Ananya… I am sure I can give her time. All the time she needs to protect her big brother.”

He was lucky to have so many people who love him.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her, laughing at the thought of Ana hating anyone. "Trust me... she's not at all capable of hating anyone." I promise her even though it was clear she was teasing me.

"I'm so glad you're excited to meet them." I smiled wide.

"I knew that meeting the parents is something most people are nervous about... but I promise you it won't be like that. They are very welcoming. I just know that you'll all get along. And all Ana cares about is that I'm happy... and she'll see that right away."

❁ Harper ❁

Setting the bowl to the side and shifting off to the side a little to bring my knees up to my chest. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing.

“Hey, I am certain your sister will not hate me (I hoped). And I am excited to meet them too.”

Crossing my arms over my knees, it’s felt nice to see Collin like this.

“Are you?” I found myself asking without thinking. “I mean.. are you happy?”

❁ Collin ❁

I watched her... the way she shuffled a little awkwardly and tucked her knees up. Heat flared in my chest when she asked the question. I could feel my neck burn red hot and my heart pounded excitedly.

My eyes met hers and without any hesitation or stuttering, I nodded.

"I am." My smile took over my whole face, crinkling the corners of my vision.

"I mean... I wouldn't say I was unhappy before. I have a good life. I love my job, and I have amazing friends and family. But I had lonely moments... days or nights. But since I met you I don't ever feel alone. Even when I am and it's just Nova and me, I can think about you and I don't feel lonely." I laughed at myself because that was the cheesiest way I could say that. But it was true.

"Sometimes I wish you were there sure... but it makes me happy." Than the goofy side of me kicked back in when I tried to explain myself.

"Thinking about you makes me happy... not the wishing you were there... okay... well that does too... but not in a..." My wolf stirred, stopping my ramblings and pressed my lips together.

I moved then, sitting next to her. I slipped my arms around her and lifted her gently onto my lap, wrapping her up against me when she was settled. "I'm really happy, Harper." I said simply. "More than I know how to express." One hand rested on her upper arm and my thumb stroked back and forward.

"Are you happy?" I asked in a whisper.

Because nothing in the world was more important to me than her being happy.

❁ Harper ❁

My hand reached out to Nova in my couch as Collin spoke, because every word he said resonated deep inside. I knew what he attempted to share, in a roundabout way that the two of us often find ourselves.

Some part inside stirred at his acknowledgment of being lonely, something I too understood. Because even when I had been surrounded by people who had loved me, I had still at times felt so alone.

However, my first thought also was that he was lucky. Because he had the pure love that came from Nova. She wanted nothing but attention, and love, and care. She would be there no matter how well or badly his day went.

My eyes widened at the easy in which he put his arms around me and moved my tall frame into his lap. Not once was I resistant to the gesture he shared right now by doing it.

Resting my head on his shoulder, I turned into him. My hand curling around his neck as I embraced his body heat. They invisible string very much there, and so much more than just something I had imagined it to be.

I could feel the sensation of his breath on my skin, filling me all over with goosebumps. My heart beating a little faster when he told he was happy. Because it meant that I was a part of it? And this knowledge gave me joy.

Nodding my head slowly as I hide my face the best I could in the crook of his neck.

“I am happy Collin.”

My voice as whisper just like his. “I’m not sure how to explain this, however. I am very happy.”

❁ Collin ❁

The way her heartbeat as she curled into me caused shivers to run through my body. I rested my cheek against the top of her head.

"I know the romantic thing to say is that we don't need to explain it... But I have absolutely no doubts that we can't figure out exactly why given enough time."

I laughed softly, still holding her. "The nerds in us would be highly satisfied trying to puzzle that out... we could even take notes."

❁ Harper ❁

My smile grew and I dared to kiss him once on his neck. “Now you are just trying to promise my a good time. Taking notes is teasing me.”

However, I knew we would have the time of our life working this all out. However long it took, we would do it differently and correctly.

❁ Collin ❁

A soft sound moved up my throat when she kissed my neck. I closed my eyes and soaked in the feeling, bunched up the fabric of her shirt.

“A nerd like had to use whatever he can to his advantage.” I chuckled. I turn in to kiss the top of her head and settled my cheek against her hair. I leaned back against the couch no xt to where nova was still sleeping.

I could sit here with them like this for hours.

❁ Harper ❁

“It’s our superpower.” Smiling as a reminder of a conversation with his best friend, and his cousins husband came to mind.

Taking in a deep breath. I kept my eyes closed. Listening to the sound of his breath, with #Nova’s too and the beating of my heart.

This had been a Hallmark movie, and ice cream unplanned date.

#HarperLeeJenkins #Harper #Harps #CollinLittlesea #Collin #TheNerd #TheGoofball #Nova #TwilightRp #AU #TwiRP #LaPush #Storyline #Storytime

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volturiwolf · 3 years

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Road trip to Fate - Paul Lahote x fem!Reader Imagine - part 1

A/N: The story takes place during the summer of 2018

A/N 2: Like always with my writing, it started as a one-part story, but there will be at least two more parts

No. of Words: 6300+

Mentions of: Self-doubt, Panic attack, Issues with parents, Drowning, Death, Ass, Many places around the US - where I have never been, TV series and movie references

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Tagging: @xxx-wounded-angel-xxx @eugeniapet @chocolatechipcookiesandcamembert @florence-end @emmy1148 @ilove-bts @crazyacegirl

(reply if you want to be tagged or removed for the next parts)

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(Y/N)’s POV

I was living the best life I could live right now. It was the summer after my college graduation, and I was traveling across the US with the best of my friends on a rental RV, driving through the country, camping, and staying wherever we liked. Trying to make the most of it, we promised each other that we would try to visit as many places as we could, especially if it was a place on our bucket list. Out of the ten people on this trip, only three people could drive; Vera, Jenny, and myself. So, we took turns driving whenever one was getting tired.

Starting from Queens, we traveled down through Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and Myrtle Beach. We continued towards Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami, which was always a dream of all of us to visit. We passed through Tampa, reaching Tallahassee, which was my best friend Stef’s dream, ever since they saw “Once Upon A Time”, and said “it was Neal and Emma’s happy place, something to hope for”.

Then, we traveled through Panama City, staying in New Orleans for a few days. Apart from being a dream of all of us to visit the beautiful and vibrant city, it had also to do with a few.. vampires, believe it or not. My friend Anajda was obsessed with “The Vampire Diaries” and the “Originals”, and Stef and I loved the “Interview With A Vampire” movie, so neither of us could stop fangirling about the city. Add the rich jazz music history, the epic carnivals, the voodoo, and everything else haunted and creepy, and we were all hooked on discovering everything we could around the city. So, the three to four days we had planned in the beginning turned into ten days full of adventures, food, and overall amazement.

We were sad to leave New Orleans, but we couldn’t wait for the adventures that we would find along the way, as we traveled west. Leaving Louisiana, we passed through Texas, stopping at Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso, trying to taste as much of the Texan BBQs and Mexican cuisine as we could. For Jenny, Vass, and myself, the spicier the food, the better it tasted. The others just didn’t know what real food tastes like.

We passed through Phoenix, traveling towards California. We stayed in San Diego for a couple days, happy to be finally able to go for a swim, and enjoy the “Cali Life”. Was it the sun and the sea that made people around California seem more relaxed and easy-going? I didn’t know, but if it was, I could see why. I just missed swimming so much, and Queens, or New York in general, were not known for their beaches, or the relaxed lifestyle.

Leaving San Diego, we finally started traveling up north, passing through Irvine, before deciding to stay for two weeks in Los Angeles. We did all the classic “touristic” things; we saw the “Walk of Fame”; walked down the Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards; visited the Grauman Chinese Theater; walked up to the Hollywood sign; went up to the Griffith Observatory; walked along the Santa Monica Pier, and visited Marina Del Rey and Venice Beach.

Of course, we had to visit Disneyland, Universal Studios, and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour for the sake of our love for movies, Hollywood, and anything glorious and exciting. We collectively took thousands of pictures at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, having the time of our lives. We visited so many parks I lost count. But I appreciated every single moment I spent with my best friends, even if it was the last summer we spent all together.

After graduation, Jenny got a job offer to work for a multinational company in Bristol, England; Alex decided on following a completely different path, studying fashion and design in Italy; Zoe would continue on acquiring a Master in Linguistics, while also working as an English teacher; Stef was taking a year off to figure out what they wanted to do with their life next; Anajda would move to New York to live with her boyfriend, and see what life would bring next for her; Chryssa would continue studying on getting her nursing license; Nellie would start working in a publishing house, hoping that she would get inspiration for her poetry and literature pieces; Vass would start an internship at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World; Vera was offered a scholarship to study in the Netherlands.

And I... I didn’t know yet. Though life felt great now, I still felt like something was missing. Sure, I had moments of pure happiness and excitement. And still, there was something in me that prevented me from feeling complete. I felt like I had a void in me that no friend, no family, no new experience could fill up. I wasn’t given much of a choice by my parents either; it was either to find a job, or study for a Master’s, though I still needed some time to think about my life, and what I wanted to do with it. I wished I had more time with my friends, and more freedom to do what I wanted in my life.

I was really trying to make myself forget about all these things, for the sake of my friends; I didn’t want to ruin everyone’s fun with the drama I was living through with my family. I had worked too hard and too much to earn the money to pay for this trip. I had also managed to save a few thousand dollars to be able to study somewhere without my parents’ financial support this time, but I still hoped my good grades could get me a scholarship, as I knew I would never be actually able to pay for full tuition anywhere.

After Los Angeles, we drove up north through California, visiting San Francisco and Oakland for a couple days. I wanted to see the Twin Peaks, the “Painted Ladies”, the Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and most importantly, the Golden State Warriors, which was probably my favorite team - I knew I had to support the Brooklyn Nets or the New York Knicks, but I actually really like the GSW.

I also promised my parents I would visit Berkeley and the University of Berkeley to learn more about their Financial Engineering Master Program and see if I could get a scholarship there. I did visit the university, but I wasn’t completely set on attending just yet. Don’t get me wrong. Getting accepted would be a unique opportunity for me, but I wasn’t mentally prepared to go back to studying just yet - I felt like I could really use an extra year or so, before taking such an important life decision.

Leaving Oakland, we continued up north, traveling just outside of Eugene and Albany, stopping at Portland for a couple days, to relax and reorganize. We decided on following the coastal road for a more scenic route, through Astoria and Aberdeen. We were set on visiting the Olympic National Park and the surroundings, trying to include as much hiking and exploring as possible. The closest, most convenient, and rather big city around there was Forks - population: 3,782 people; not too small, but not too big either.

However, just 20 minutes away from Forks, there was a place called La Push. Many of the tourist guides we saw around Portland and Forks called La Push one of the best places if you wanted to explore nature, swim, cliff-dive, and experience a unique way of life by learning about the local history and traditions of the local Quileute tribe. That was definitely something I wanted to experience - anything other than my seemingly boring life. I needed the adventure, the rush, something interesting to move me.

There was a weird feeling in me as we got closer and closer to Forks; there was a feeling that calmed me down; the usual anxiousness I felt when I waited for time to pass was suddenly gone. I didn't know what it was, but this place, which was found under clouds and light drizzle, but surrounded by woods, nature, and green, filled up my soul with an unexplainable fulfillment and some sort of purpose.

Thankfully, we were able to find a decent place to stay in La Push, as there was nowhere where we could park the RV in Forks. The RV park we found was located 6 miles away from La Push, but at least we could still live under our own terms in the RV, which we already spent a significant amount of money for. Thankfully, the park manager was really helpful, helping us rent three cars to move around comfortably, and whenever we wanted.

We spent the first week there just hiking through the nearby trails, before driving twice to explore the Olympic Park - it was too big, and there was too much ground to cover to just go there once. The second week was spent around the First, Second, and Third Beach. We tried to experience everything around the area; we went swimming, diving, walking around the beaches, sunbathing, anything really.

That was until we saw a group of people cliff-diving, reminding us of the cliff-diving being a big thing around here. I wasn’t too fond of cliff-diving, if I were being honest - I had a terrible fear of heights, and though I was a good swimmer, the waters seemed a bit rough around the cliffs. Nevertheless, I agreed to go cliff-diving with my friends just for the fun of it; after all, I did say I wanted to experience the adrenaline, the adventure, and anything else to occupy my mind with.

The sky was cloudy as always, but there was no sign of rain yet; the air felt a bit warm against my skin, giving me a feeling of comfort, and sudden bravery. We promised each other we would only dive from the lower cliff, which was about 20 or 25 feet high. It was a bit too high for me, but it still seemed manageable. I would just close my eyes and jump, right? That was the plan I had created in my head.

However, the moment we arrived at the Second Beach and my friends saw a group of young, probably Quileute, men jumping from a higher cliff, which was definitely over 80 feet high, they couldn’t stop trying to convince me to go dive from that point. They practically had to drag me up there, which was still a nightmare for me to think about the height difference from up here down to the sea. I was getting dizzy just thinking about it - it reminded me of many weird dreams I had before, where I would jump from extremely high places, and a feeling of fear, but also relief would pass through me.

I was practically trembling, and I couldn’t sit up straight. I slowly leaned down, trying to gently sit on the ground, to keep myself calm and collected, as my friends were practically jumping around, preparing themselves to take the long dive. I, on the other hand, was grasping my knees too hard, trying to bring them as close to me as I could, while I rocked myself back and forth, trying to take deep breaths. I was on the verge of crying, and I was really pushing my limits just by being up here. There was no way I would willingly dive from that cliff.

But my friends, being my friends, thought otherwise. Yes, they always pushed me - in a good way - to go further, and achieve more, because they thought I deserved to give myself the best things I could, but bringing me up here compromised my sanity. I was clearly starting to experience a panic attack, as I could not think about anything else, but my fear. I was hyperventilating, and I couldn’t control my heart beating rapidly; so much so the only thing I could hear was my heartbeat in my ears. I didn’t even realize that my friends had actually managed to lift me off the ground, dragging me to the edge of the cliff.

“C’mon, (Y/N)! You promised! You will have to jump with us!” Vass was practically yelling by now, embarrassing me through my panic.

“No! I said I didn’t want to do it!” I was putting so much resistance on my feet, as they were pushing me forward to jump first.

“(Y/N), we are all with you. We will all jump after you, don’t worry.” Jenny tried to reassure me, but I couldn’t care less, as I was struggling under their force.

Finally, with another push, I felt my feet losing touch with the ground, as they managed to push me off the cliff. I felt myself falling for what felt like an eternity, as I was trying to hold on to my bikini, in fear of losing it into the sea. I felt the impact hard, as I collided with the sea underneath the cliff. I let out a gasp of pain, and that was enough for me to gulp a huge amount of saltwater, which burned my insides.

I wanted to cough; I wanted to breathe, but I couldn’t reach the surface. The pain that I felt all over my body prevented me from swimming up and reaching the surface. I thought I broke my legs, which I didn’t as I slightly moved them around. But still, I couldn’t move; as if the weight of the sea kept me down. I started losing consciousness, and that’s where I left my last breath.

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Paul's POV

Finally, after such a long time, it started to feel more like summer around La Push. Though the sky was still cloudy and moody, the warm air around us indicated that we were going through a hot, pleasant summer. It was the perfect weather and time for all of us to enjoy the surrounding nature and the beach. Thankfully, there were not many tourists around, apart from a group of people who were just arriving at the beach.

Though we were past our adolescent years, Jared, Jacob, Embry, Quil, Seth, Brady, Collin, and I still acted like children, reminiscing of our teenage years, when we first phased, and we went cliff-diving with Sam. Nowadays, Sam preferred to stay out of the action, taking care of Emily and their two-year-old twins. Going to the beach was something we missed a lot, especially when we went cliff-diving, feeling the adrenaline rush we hadn't felt in years.

We were all a bit calmer by now. When the Cullens moved away 5 years ago, it took us some time to adjust to our new reality. We did phase for a year after they left to make sure that no vampires came around our territory. When we were sure that they weren’t coming back, we could all relax and enjoy life. Though Jacob was really frustrated that his best friend chose to turn into a leech and then move away with the other leeches, he eventually came to terms with it when he met his imprint, Rami, about 4 years ago.

We were currently enjoying the peace at the beach, but I felt pretty lonely, being surrounded by happy couples. Everyone had found their imprints by now. Jacob had Rami, Embry had Ameyalli, Quil had Claire; these three found their imprints when they went away to study at a local community college. There are all in the same year, so it was easier for the guys to be close to their imprints all the time.

Jared had Kim, who was currently expecting their first child, a baby girl. Sam married Emily 3 years ago, and when they found out she was pregnant with twins, they were beyond excited. I was Sam’s best man, and their little girl’s godfather, while Jared and Kim were their little boy’s godparents.

Leah found her imprint in the face of Angela Weber, a Forks High School graduate. Angela was classmates with Bella, and they used to come by La Push often before Bella started dating Edward. About 3 years ago, when Angela came back for college, she visited La Push one day, and the moment Leah saw her, she knew she was the one and did everything she could so they could be together. Angela’s father was not supportive of his daughter’s relationship, but her mother and Sue supported the couple through everything. Leah was finally happy, and we had never seen her angry, frustrated, or disappointed since.

Seth had imprinted on a girl named Jaya in his senior year of high school; she was the new girl in school, and everyone took an interest in her, but the moment she and Seth saw each other, they didn’t have eyes for anyone else. It was a fact that Seth had earned a lot of girls’ attention through his school years, but Jaya was everything to him.

Even Brady and Collin had found their imprints during their freshman year of high school; they were both classmates in school - they only had one or two classes together, but the following year, they made sure to arrange their classes in a way that they could be together.

So, here I was, drowning in misery, as everyone else was occupied with their imprints, living in their own little world. Sometimes I wondered if I would ever find my imprint; if I would ever have a happy life like the people around me. I was always known as the “hothead”, the one who could never control their wolf nature, while all the others were able to “tame” the wolf inside them for the sake of their imprints.

In moments like this, I wondered if it was actually worth it to be around the pack. When they were away from their imprints, we were all equal; we could be funny, and do stupid things, though I knew that the thoughts of their imprints were always on their minds; they were their number one priority.

My thoughts were violently interrupted when some of the people from the group we saw coming to the beach earlier were running towards us, screaming obnoxiously, hands flying all over the place trying to get our attention. I looked at them confused, as they stopped right in front of us, throwing a bit of sand around, apologizing but still yelling all together.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Sam was moving his hands around, trying to stop them. “Calm down! What’s going on?”

“Our friend is drowning!” One person from the group started talking, clearly panicking. “We went up the cliff to dive, and we..we dragged her with us, but she didn’t want to dive, and we pushed her off the cliff, and she hasn’t resurfaced yet!” They were rambling, their hands shaking.

I turned to look at Sam, and he turned around, nodding to the whole pack. We quickly stood up, following the group who were running back towards the cliffs. The person who talked to us previously pointed towards the sharp rocks at the foot of the cliff, just as the waves crashed on them. “She landed a few feet before the rocks! Do something! Please!” They were all crying for their friend, desperation in their eyes.

I turned towards Sam. “Sam, I’m going in.” I was the only one who wouldn’t leave any responsibilities behind if something was to happen - I had no one in my life, and I was a pretty good swimmer, and strong enough to go against the waves which seemed to be stirring the sea now.

Sam looked around the pack, before turning back to me. “Okay, but be careful.” I nodded back to him, before diving into the sea.

The waters were muddy from the recent rain, and more and more waves were forming as time passed. I swam around, looking for the girl; I didn’t want to be pessimistic, but she was most likely dead by now. However, I continued swimming around, swimming back to the surface to get some air, before diving back in.

As I looked down, towards the bottom, I located a wave of (Y/H/C) hair floating around the water. I dove deeper in the water, locating the girl. I grabbed her from her waist and pulled us up towards the surface. I swam back to the shore with whatever energy I had left in me.

I lifted her in my arms, and slowly placed her on the sand, as everyone else started gathering around us. Her figure was frozen, and her complexion was almost lifeless as if all blood was drained out of her. I leaned closer, trying to listen to her breathing or her heartbeat. There was nothing but the weakest heartbeat I could hear, meaning that she was still alive somehow, so I could only try to make sure she would start breathing again. I blew air into her mouth, and then went on to press firmly, but not too harshly, on her chest, trying to bring her back to life. I blew again and went back to press her for about a minute.

I was starting to lose hope, but then, she started puking up the water and coughed manically. She was breathing quickly, and her heart started beating frantically, but she was alive, and she survived. She kept her eyes closed, as her friends started coming closer, but Sam asked them to give her some space. She didn’t say anything for a minute; she was breathing more slowly this time. For a reason I couldn’t understand, I couldn’t stop staring at her, her perfect features, the way her lips parted as she was breathing steadily.

And then, she opened her eyes, and lazily looked into mine, and I finally knew why. I felt my existence being so small; I was so small in front of her splendor; her beautiful eyes and lips engraved in my mind forever. I felt the whole world shift around us; there was no one there but us. It was only me and the beautiful girl that blessed my eyes with her presence. I had finally found the reason I existed; I finally felt whole. I couldn’t hear anything else but her slow, steady breaths, and her now frantic heart. We kept looking at each other for what felt like hours, not saying anything, just staring at each other.

“Paul? Paul?” I could faintly hear Sam’s voice, as I continued looking at the girl in front of me. “Paul!” He now yelled, waking me up from the images in my head.

“Yeah, sorry.” I said to the girl rather than Sam. “Are you okay? How are you feeling?” I felt an instant feeling of overprotectiveness towards the girl I just met before my mind started filling up with worry. What if I hadn’t gotten to her on time? How could I live with the thought that my imprint was so close to dying? With the thought that I would never meet her?

“I’m better now. Thank you.” She whispered with a raspy voice, smiling lightly at me.

Her hazy eyes that she barely kept open could never take away the slightest part of her beauty. On the contrary, she was even more beautiful, if that was even possible. How could all this beauty fit in a single person? My heart finally felt whole; I found my reason to exist in the face of this girl in front of me; this unknown girl that I barely knew; this unknown girl that barely knew me. I gulped, as I reached my hand to tug a few strands of her wet hair behind her ear, her shivering slightly under my hot touch.

“I think it would be better if we took her to Sue’s. She has to get checked, just in case.” Sam interfered, trying to break this scene in front of us. The familiarity I showed to this girl could easily be misinterpreted, and it would be better to give her time to rest anyway.

I turned to look at Sam, who was already looking at me. “Yeah, you are right.” Then, I turned to the girl. “Hey, we’ll get you checked, if you don’t mind…..”

“(Y/N).” Such a beautiful name. “No, it’s okay. Let’s go.” She went to sit up and stand up before I stopped her.

“No, no. Don’t move. I will help you.” I lifted her up in my arms like she weighed nothing, and she wrapped her arms around my neck. “We’ll take you to Sue. She’s a nurse. I’m Paul by the way.” I couldn’t take my eyes off of the girl in my arms. (Y/N).

“Hey, Paul.” She smiled up at me. “Thank you for saving me. You didn’t have to get involved in my stupid friends’ actions.” She turned to stare angrily at her friends.

For a few minutes, I forgot it was them who pushed her off the cliff. I was now staring angrily at them, temporarily forgetting about (Y/N) in my arms, as I felt my anger taking over me. Thankfully, Sam was there, once again reminding me to keep calm, as we could not expose our secret to outsiders. Of course, (Y/N) was not considered an outsider anymore, but having her so close to me - if I were to transform - would be deadly to her. I lowered my gaze to look back at her, and she was already staring at me, her eyes wider now, her lips parted slightly.

“I think we better get going.” I told her, as I walked us away from the crowd of people, and away from the beach.

“Wait.” (Y/N) stopped me. “I still have to take the car back with me. Someone will have to bring the car back. No one else can bring the car back.” She was panicking, shivering, and slightly stuttering, all at the same time.

“Don’t worry about it.” I smiled at her, as I brought her closer to me, trying to warm her up. “Quil will take your car back.” I nodded towards my curly-haired friend, who heard his name and came running towards us.

“Don’t worry, guys. I won’t get a single scratch on it.” He was all smiles, as always, (Y/N) telling him her friends had her bag, and the key was in the smallest pocket. He nodded, as he ran back to both groups, and we left.

I walked us to my jeep, opening the passenger’s door, and gently putting her in, making sure she wore her seatbelt. “Ehm.. Paul, I’m still full of sand.” She blushed, embarrassed to have littered my car with sand.

“Don’t mind it, babe. That’s the last thing you should worry about. Let’s get you to Sue, alright?” She simply nodded, and I closed her door, running towards the driver’s side, and climbing in the seat.

I made sure to turn up the heat, afraid (Y/N) would get cold, as she continued shivering throughout our ride. She didn’t say anything in particular; she just kept looking out of the window, lost in thoughts. I was taking a few glances at her with the corner of my eye, looking silently at her, without saying a word. Her perfect lips were parting slightly every now and then, as she was taking small breaths. Her beautiful eyes were staring outside into nothing in particular, but her heart was pounding heavily on her chest, indicating she wasn’t feeling completely comfortable.

“Are you okay, (Y/N)?” I heard her heart skip a beat at the mention of her name. “You seem kind of lost.”

“Hm? Yeah, I..I’m doing okay. I just feel a bit guilty for wasting your time like that; for worrying you and your friends without a reason; for ruining your car.” She was now staring at me, guilt and sadness clear on her face.

“That’s nonsense.” I replied calmly. “You almost drowned. There is no such thing as “wasting my time”, or anyone else’s, for the matter. Don’t feel bad for something that you couldn’t control; for something that could get you killed! Besides..I had nothing better to do anyway.”

“What about your friends? Weren’t you out, spending time with your friends?” She asked, still curious.

“Well, my friends have their mates, their partners. They don’t really have time for anyone else lately. You actually did me a favor for taking me away from there.” I chuckled quietly at the paradox that took place just a few minutes away.

“Don’t you have anyone in your life? You know, a relationship?” I turned to look back at her; her eyes were glistening with hope.

I grinned at her. “No. Not really.”

She hummed. “Weird. I thought a guy like you would have someone special in their life.”

“A guy like me?” I questioned her, smirking.

“Well..you know, dangerously attractive.” She was fumbling with her fingers; a sign she got nervous and embarrassed about what she just said.

I laughed at her statement. “Well, do you have someone special in your life?”

She shook her head. “No, I wouldn’t say I do.”

“Well, see? Dangerously attractive people do not always find that special someone. At least, not right away.”

She jerked her head and turned to look at me, raising one eyebrow, but not saying anything else for the remainder of our drive. About ten minutes later, we reached Chief Swan’s house, where Sue had been living for the past five and a half years, after marrying him four years ago. She came down to La Push often, but not as often as Leah and Seth hoped. Still, she always took care of us whenever we needed her, being the only one now who knew how to treat our supernatural selves in case anything ever happened to us.

She must have seen my jeep parked on the driveway, as she came out of the house and towards me with open arms. “Paul! It’s so nice to see you again! How have you been, sweety?” She embraced me tightly, rubbing her palms on my back - her way of endearment.

Pulling away, she turned to look at (Y/N), who was standing in front of my car. “Who is this?”

“Sue, this is (Y/N). She almost drowned at the beach today, and I tried to help her. I brought her to you so you can check her out; see if everything is okay.”

Sue gave me a knowing look, to which I nodded before she carefully took (Y/N)’s hand in hers. “Come on, sweety, let’s get you checked.”

We walked into the Swan Residence, a welcoming house painted with green tones, blending nicely with the greenery around it. Sue had not changed many things around the house since she moved in, but her good tastes had seemingly blended and upgraded the interior. She had added more carpets, pictures, and small decor around, making the house look more lively and habitable. Under Bella’s prompt, Chief Swan transformed her daughter’s old bedroom into a small examination room for Sue to be able to treat patients even when she was at home.

We walked up the stairs to the small room on our left, where Sue led us. She ordered (Y/N) to sit on the doctor’s bed, as she picked up her stethoscope and her “sphygmomanometer”, as she called it, to examine (Y/N). She first took her blood pressure, making sure it was strong enough before she proceeded with the check-up. She then placed the stethoscope on her chest, telling her to take deep inhales and exhales. As I was watching the stethoscope on her chest, I felt my palms burning under the memory of touching her cold skin.

“Sweety, it seems like you’ll be fine. I don’t hear anything concerning, but you should visit a hospital, should you feel uneasy, okay?” She smiled sweetly at (Y/N), before turning to look at me. “You are very lucky Paul saved you on time.”

I simply smiled as a response, trying to keep my blushed cheeks under control. “Ehm.. Okay, I think we should be going then. Leave you alone.”

“You know you can come by whenever you want, Paul.” Sue hugged me tightly, then turned to (Y/N), hugging her as well. “It was so nice to meet you, (Y/N). Feel better!”

“Thank you so much, for everything.” (Y/N) smiled shyly at Sue as they parted.

“Anything for family.” She grinned at me, as we walked out of the room, down the stairs, and out of the house.

We got back in my car, and I realized that (Y/N) was still wearing her bikini, and was still covered with sand. “Hey, do you want to come back to my house? You know..to get cleaned and changed.”

“Ehm, yeah, but I don’t have anything to wear after.” She didn’t meet my gaze as I stared intensely at her face.

“It’s okay, babe. You can borrow my clothes for now.” I grinned at her, but her eyes widened slightly in embarrassment, still not looking at me. I just loved how cute she looked even when she was embarrassed.

In a turn of events, she bit her lip, thinking about my proposal. She then turned to look at me, raising one eyebrow and slightly puckering her lips. “Okay. Let’s go.”

I smirked at her sudden confidence, starting the engine, and driving back to La Push and my home. We talked a bit, trying to get to know each other and make time pass. She told me she was on a road trip with her friends from college, traveling from New York down the east coast, and then through the south until they reached California, and then started going up. They stopped here after everything they saw on many touristic guides about La Push and Forks - she liked the adventure, but she came to the conclusion she did not like extreme things like cliff-diving anymore. I chuckled at that and agreed that she better forget it for some time.

She seemed like a fun person to be around, and that was not the imprint talking; she was genuinely interesting and fun, and though shy at first, she quickly opened up to me. Talking to her was easy, effortless; I told her things that I wouldn’t tell anyone else, at least anyone apart from my friends and packmates. Though she insisted I didn’t have to if I wasn’t feeling comfortable, I told her how my parents got divorced when I was 8 years ago, and my dad moved us from Takoma to La Push, and I haven’t left since then. But I managed to make something good for myself, working hard at a local construction company, and eventually buying my own house 3 years ago.

(Y/N) seemed impressed, and thought I was really fortunate to get my own place. She told me that, for her parents, college was a no-brainer; that she had to get a degree and work hard to succeed in life. They weren’t wrong but she said she never had a real childhood because of how strict they raised her. They immigrated to the US when she was very young, so they had to work extra hard to make a good life for their family. (Y/N) learned that life is not easy for everyone, so she had to work harder, be better, just to prove herself among the others.

Growing up bilingual and immigrant put a burden on her relationships with others; sometimes she had trouble communicating and many people used to make fun of her. Thankfully, it was when she went to college that she made actual friends whose families had also immigrated to the US, so it was easier to share their experiences with each other, finding common ground between them. They were the friends I met today, who I had not completely forgiven for their actions, but (Y/N) let it pass.

We were reaching my house, a two-story building made out of a combination of cement and dark brown wood. It was sturdy and could withstand La Push’s humidity and weather conditions. I was proud to say that I built it myself, with some of my packmates’ help. I drove down the dirt road that led to my front yard and parked on my driveway. (Y/N) was about to exit the car, when I stopped her, stepping out of the car quickly, and running to her side. I opened her door and helped her climb out of the car. She looked flustered as I wrapped one arm around her waist, lifting her up, before slowly placing her on her feet.

“Welcome to my home. Come on. Let me show you around.” I carefully took her hand in mine, and, thankfully, she did not flinch or protest at all, as I led us in the house.

I opened the door, showing her around the living room. “Come with me. I’ll show you the bathroom.” I led us upstairs, to the bathroom in my master bedroom. I went on to grab clean clothes for her to wear, a large t-shirt and basketball shorts, and two fluffy towels, one for her body and one for her hair.

She looked unsure when I pushed the items on her arms. “Are you sure I can use this bathroom? You know, I can use a smaller bathroom, if there is another one?”

“Nonsense. Come on. Go shower now.” I turned her around, lightly pushing towards the bathroom’s direction. “I'll be waiting downstairs. Whatever you need, don’t hesitate to ask, okay?”

She slowly nodded and walked towards the bathroom. As she walked ahead, closing the bathroom door behind her, I couldn’t help myself and took a peek at her ass. It was still covered in sand but still looked perfect with the bikini she wore. I turned around and quickly walked downstairs, so I could give (Y/N) space and some quiet.

#paul lahote #paul lahote x reader #paul lahote imagine #embry call #jared cameron #quil ateara #jacob black #sam uley #leah clearwater #seth clearwater #collin littlesea #brady fuller #the wolfpack #twilight story #twilight renessaince #twilight redemption

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