Bella Swan's Point of View

The soft spoken Paul from before we arrived at Newton's, the one who opened the door for me and bought me an ice cream, was now replaced with the same Paul who had driven me to the hospital. A louder and much more animated version of Paul. A vein bulged from the side of his head and seemed to pulsate as the speedometer crept past 80. His driving reminded me of Edward, though he seemed as though he were on the brink of losing his cool. We took the corner at the entrance to LaPush on two wheels and I braced myself against the side of the car with my stronger arm. A cloud of dusk rose from the gravel road and surrounded the car in a fog of speed and acceleration. The engine continued to rumble forward in response to Paul's right foot pressing into the gas pedal, with no sign of slowing.

"Paul!" I exclaimed, "Is this really necessary?" I has never been scared when Edward drove, but now I could feel my own heart pounding un my chest.

Paul glanced at me from the driver's side, and immediately his dark eyes focused back on the road. His face was expressionless as he concentrated on what was ahead of us. He seemed harder and more focused than before, but now completely silent. He lips were clamped in a firm line with no signs of relenting.

Maybe he didn't have anything so say, but I did.

"We don't even know exactly who or what Mike saw," I said, now making sense of Mike's statement after having the ride to think about it. Paul sat still a moment longer, then stirred in his seat never taking his eyes off of the road.

"Maybe we don't know…" Paul finally began, "But I sure as shit know. I smelled a vampire and it was no Cullen." Paul retorted, silent no more.

"We don't know that!" I replied, hearing my voice rising in anxiety. The thought of any vampire was too much for me right now.

"When I smell rotten sugar, ammonia, and three day old dog shit all mixed together I don't have a lot of doubts. How many girls, that don't go to your school, and look like Barbie Dolls come looking for you work? Zero? I thought so."

I didn't know what to say. Paul took one hand off of the wheel and rakes it through his hair. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"Besides," he finally began, his voice returning to a normal volume, "If it was a Cullen that Newton kid would have known them. They went to your high school, right?"

I nodded. Paul was right.

"So what is refusing to bring me home going to do other than upset Charlie?" I asked calming, now looking out the passenger side window as the world whizzed past.

"I'll handle Chief Swan."

I raised my eyebrows firmly, "Really? That… I'd like to see." My Dad was a reasonable man, clearly he had trusted Paul to pick me up from school. But that trust would fade if he came home from work and found me missing. Not to mention he'd come after Paul, shotgun in hand.

"Maybe you should just bring me to Jacobs?" I suggested "I'll be safe and…"

"I am NOT bringing you to Jacob Blacks!" Paul's voice boomed and his coppery skin grew darker with emotion. It was as though my words had set him on fire. "I can keep you safe, Bella. I will keep you safe!" he continued, his voice rising again.

"Jacob is young, Bella. He's careless and overzealous. Jacob over estimates his strength, and his self control. I have no intention of bringing you anywhere near the Blacks, period!" His knuckles turned white as both hands once again gripped the steering wheel. There was no question he was fighting for control. Something told me that explaining to Paul that I had recently kissed Jacob, and rather admired his over zealousness, wouldn't be such a good idea. Paul's criticalness of a pack mate puzzled me.

"I was about to say that in addition to being safe, Billy could talk with my Dad."

Paul said nothing. His wrinkled his nose in disgust, starring ahead. He knuckles glowed white and the vein in his head bulged to tremendous proportions. I had struck a nerve.

The impala rumbled down the gravel road leaving a wake of dust in its path. Paul seemed oblivious to the fact that his car had brakes; rather he actually accelerated again when we came to a straight stretch. Like Paul, I kept my eyes glued on the road in front of us. I wanted to have some notice if we were going to go careening out of control, or slam head on into one of the two hundred year trees that dotted the roads of LaPush. Without warning the impala jerked to the left and turned down a narrow road Jacob had never shown me. Tree branches had grown into the road and occasionally brushed the top of the impala as Paul drove. His speed slowed, but only slightly. The car's body bounced over pot holes and bumps, but seemed to know the well worn tire path ahead. Before long I could see that there was a clearing up ahead. Moments later the sight took my breath away if just for an instant. It was a sight straight out of a fable.

"What is this place?" I asked finally as the car began to slow.

Paul said nothing, but shifted nervously in his seat. A brown house sat at one corner of the clearing and was heavily embellished with vines, shrubbery, rose bushes and flowers that I had never seen before. A green picket fence sectioned off an adjacent yard that boasted a vegetable garden, lush with plants though it seemed so early in the season. Beautifully trimmed topiary lined a stone walk way that lead to another fenced area, overflowing with greenery, and eventually lead to a greenhouse on the farthest corner. The property was dotted with willow trees, fruit trees, flowering bushes, and a tiny arbor that lead from the opening where the impala finally came to a stop.

"Paul?" I asked again, "Is this part of LaPush?." Though all of the Quilette people had a tremendous appreciation for the earth, and their lands, I had never seen anything like this on this on the reservation. It was hidden from view and tucked away like a secret garden.

"You act like your house just landed on the wicked witch after being transported to the Land of Oz." Paul began, "Of course we're in LaPush. I told you that was where I was taking you."

I nodded, he seemed troubled by my questioning. I starred in wonder out the windshield, noticing for the first time bird feeders, blueberry bushes, and a tiny strawberry patch in another clearing off in the background. It was much too early for those to be in season, but there was no mistaking the bushed and plants. It looked like the landscape had been carefully planned and tended by the staff at "Better Homes and Gardens" in preparation for a four star photo shoot. Every last piece of greenery thrived with health and clearly was expertly manicured. Stone walls and pavers carved out pathways among the greenery leading to tiny vignettes' around the landscape. The yard seemed to beckon, as though it were expecting us.

My surveying was interrupted by the sound of Paul's door closing, and I quickly realized he had gotten out of the impala. I had been so enthralled with the sight before me, I hadn't even noticed. With long strides he crossed in front of the car toward the passenger side. Like Jacob, Paul was every bit a fortress of physical strength. It seemed that every inch of him had been honed to firm, hard muscle. His shoulders were impossibly broad and his arms thick and defined. Paul's skin was darkly tanned with an implacable jaw that looked as though it had been chiseled from marble. Unlike Jacob, Paul's features boasted an extra level of maturity forged from life experience and a life of challenges. He was charming and witty, but make no mistake, Paul was street smart and bold.

My mind went to Jacob and how he might look in five years. As long as Jacob and Paul continued to phase they wouldn't age, they'd be physically frozen in time just as they were at this moment. The premise of Edward changing me to a vampire meant that I wouldn't age either. However in La Push the only way for Jacob and I remain close in age would be for him to stop phasing.

The passenger door opened slowly as Paul casually reached inside to unfasten the seat belt. I could feel the warmth of his body washing over me, the smell of his clean skin and distinct scent filling my nose. This time he made no eye contact, but reached out and took my hand. Carefully he pulled me into a standing positioned and snaked his opposite around my waist, drawing me closer to his chest. I was surprised, and even a little shocked. The gesture seemed oddly intimate, and I looked down at the ground to avoid his gaze. I felt my cheeks growing warm, knowing that I was most certainly blushing at his closeness.

I became far too aware of the big, strong body that was positioned so close to mine. He was enticingly warm and smelled earthen and clean. It further reminded me of Jacob, not a heavy cologne scent that was distinctively Edward. I told myself that my heart was racing only due to uncertainty mixed with fear, but in reality I know that wasn't true. I thought of Jacob and our kiss. Paul represented, at least in physical maturity, everything that Jacob almost was. Being so close to Paul seemed wrong, yet curiosity seemed to slap at my chest. I reminded myself that in reality I knew very little about Paul and had clearly drifted into uncharted waters. There was still the possibility he intended to roll me, and my sore arm, into the briars.

Paul stood motionless, his body a stone sculpture with me positioned against him. My gaze held looked out over shoulder into the distance. The world around us became very quiet. For the first time I became aware that Paul's breathing was shallow and ragged when compared to the rustle of the wind through the greenery.

Gently Paul's hold tightened into an embrace and he softly nuzzled the side of my neck.

My body froze, completely stunned. His touch very intimate and intentional, and going against all reason. I wanted to break away from his embrace, and run for the hills. My feet wouldn't move, and I remained in place.

I shuddered at his touch, preparing myself to back away but my body seemed to betray me, again. My feet still refused to move. A strange warmth flooded my body, and for a moment I savored the feeling. Then I closed my eyes to regain my focus. I reminded myself that I barely knew Paul. What I did know of him didn't make these past moments any more comfortable.

In the seconds that passed I soon knew his gesture couldn't have been accidental. Not only was I aware that Paul, and his very large stature was now deepening his embrace, but that he was also very aroused. Swallowing hard, I felt a touch of alarm for he felt to be impressively well endowed. While I didn't have much experience in the male anatomy department, his sized clearly exceeded that of Edward's.

I couldn't imagine what he was thinking. Was Paul Bennett so "isolated" as a result of his phasing that he found my knowledge of his "secret" arousing? As he nudged his torso closer, what upset me most was the sudden urge to move my hips and nudge him back. I clamped my eyes closed and tried to shake it off. This was absurd.

I reminded myself to breathe. My mother always told me to just breathe, but the breaths came quick and frantic. My lungs began working faster to keep pace with my breathing, which drew his scent into my nose once more. Paul nuzzled my neck again, this time running his closed mouth across my skin. My body responded with another twist of surprise as hot excitement ran through my belly. The heat stained my cheeks and I felt a blush of red all over. I was certain Paul's steaming presence raised my own core temperature.

It was only when Paul released my hand and brought it to my face that I realized that he still been holding it. His fingers slid across my pinked cheek until they touched my lips. A single fingertip began to tease my lower lip. My mind was in a frenzy, and though he faced me, I couldn't look at him. The heat of one hundred suns began to radiate through me, and caught the breath I was trying so hard to control, from my lungs.

In the moments that followed a powerful wave in insanity shot through me. It stole my breath and erased every thought from my mind. I was frightened by the intensity of the burning running through me, never having this much sensation before. It made no sense, I didn't even like Paul.

The silence was deafening. My throat felt dusty and raw, but I swallowed the heat knowing I needed to speak.

"Paul, where did you bring-"

Paul's mouth stole whatever words were left on my tongue. I had turned my head away in surprise, but he followed me, the contact becoming a firm kiss that refused to allow me to escape. But it wasn't a hard kiss. His hand captured the back of head, keeping it aligned with his.

His lips grew increasingly hot against mine, slipping along my most sensitive surfaces while his tongue valiantly licked along my lower lip. Paul enticed me to move along in unison with him, and I felt an overwhelming need to do just that. Paul's hold softened but he angled my face to allow our lips to meet more completely. I wanted to pull away, to go home, yet in that very moment that I had more fully brought my lips to his. His large body pressed closer to mine and I gasped in surprise as his mouth became hungry, devouring mine completely. Paul sensed my uncertainty and knew to take advantage of my parted lips, and pressed my mouth to open wider with his own. The hand covering the back of my head moved to my chin and softly tilted it upward, while his tongue fully invaded my mouth.

I felt faint. The only solid thing in reach was Paul. He had been careful not to crush my injured arm, and now I found that my good arm reached forward for his body. I quivered as my fingertips landed on the stiff ridges of muscle that were just as taught as I imagined them to be. The curve of his chest felt distinctly different tan Jacob's. Jacob! What was I doing?

"Wait.." I said into his mouth, "We can't do this."

Paul's lips showed no hesitation, his kiss grew deeper still. They moved in starving motions as if hungry for something I kept very guarded. At last I began to pull away and he stopped in his tracks.

"Bella?" he questioned, his voice husky with need. I recognized the emotion in his voice. It reminded me of Edward then of Jacob.

"I'm sorry." I started, not certain why I was apologizing. "I don't know what to say…I shouldn't have let you kiss me. I'm sorry if I gave you wrong idea."

Paul's gaze dipped to my breasts, which were still humming in delight from being pressed to his chest. His eyes lingered there, focusing on my nipples, which had grown taught from our kiss. I knew that I had told him differently, but my body had thoroughly enjoyed his attention. Though fully clothed, in the middle of the day, I was suddenly feeling very exposed. No one had ever looked at me in quite the way that Paul did. Certainly not Edward, who's admiring gaze, spoke reluctance and regret. Even Jacob's gaze differed from that of his Quilette brother, whose dark eyes now radiated longing and hunger.

"All of my ideas and thoughts, and I assure you I have many, are my own." Paul answered raising his eyes to meet mine. "You didn't give me any idea that I hadn't been waiting for…"

I felt my eyes grow as wide as saucers. What was he saying?

"Pauley?" A voice came from the house. "Are you coming inside?" It was female and sounded to be an older woman. I was grateful for the interruption.

Paul turned and cocked his head slightly, his expression saying little about him. Then he reached out his hand, the corners of his mouth lifting to offer a wide grin.

"Bella, come inside with me. I want to introduce you to my mother."

Paul Bennett's Point of View

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

Had I really just told Bella that she floods my thoughts? Though it was true, it came out making me sound like a creepy uncle.

The good news?

She had wanted my kiss. I could feel it. I could still taste her on my lips reminding me that our kiss had been real.

Now, the bad news. Her uncertainty was thanks to one Jacob Black. Whatever allegiance that she was harboring for him, I needed to squash like an ant…and fast.

The last thing I wanted to do was parade Bella in front of my mother with an erection the size of Mt. Olympis. That small glorious taste of Bella had only whetted my appetite, which was growing stronger by the minute. I had never wanted any woman to warm my bed as much as the petite brunette following me to the house. If her reaction from my advances was any indication, she could be just as passionate as she looked. Already I burned with memories of her lips and the curve of her soft body pressed against mine. The thought of taking her as my own, claiming her for myself was overwhelming. I ached with need but knew I had to be patient.

I hated being patient, which is mostly why I dislike fishing.

Jacob had no skill when it came to seduction. He was just a kid himself. The dirtiest thoughts he could conjure up involved Bella on the hood of his rabbit (I'll give him half a point for that) in the missionary position. My gigolo ways had given the opportunity t learn just how to work a women. Bella would be no different. Like a diesel engine, it might take some time to get her warmed up, but she'd be a smooth ride once she was ready. I wanted to show her how I could take her from behind, her breasts swaying in rhythm, I longed to plunge into her heat and to lay her out; wrapping her legs around my shoulders so that I could draw her core to my mouth, and show her how good I could I make her feel, again and again.

Was the strength of my reaction to her because of the imprint? Admittedly I couldn't care less. I focused on the task at hand, Bella would be mine. Mine. The idea of enjoying her lips and caressing her body at my will made my body harden with increased desire.The image her pink lips wrapped around my manhood made me as hard as a damned light post.

Bella took my hand. Yes, I was aware that I was starring. I simply couldn't take my eyes off of her. I couldn't have turned away if I wanted to. A primitive wave of heat surged through me. Lust hit me again like a fist in the gut. Her eyes, her waist, her breasts, and her sensual mouth all called to me. It was stronger than ever before.

"You live here?" Bella finally choked out, her cheeks still flushed and her lips swollen.

I nodded, still smiling. With Bella within such close proximity, the grin might never leave my face. The images of her continued to flood my brain. I could see myself wrapping her around my waist and joining with her in the shower, and laying her down gently before opening her knees to reveal the most perfect part of her.

I curled my toes in my boots, knowing I needed to stay composed.

"I live here with my mother. She's an avid gardener, but you probably guessed that…" I replied, suddenly feeling slightly self conscious that my house rivaled The Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Bella's eyes scanned the landscape once more. "It's amazing Paul, your mother does this herself?"

She spoke with sincerity, as though she was no longer focused on the kiss. I was happy she wasn't feeling guilty, but hoped I would be more memorable. Her lack of eye contact told that she was still feeling uncertain about my advances. I'd soon change that.

"My mother is a force of nature. She is like no one you've ever met. You'll see."

That was an understatement. I prayed that my mother had at least taken the palm tree she has soaking on the toilet this morning to help dissolve the dirt in the root ball. I'd worry about the problems it created with the plumbing later.

My father had passed away years earlier. Due to his asbestos exposure at the mill he had become very sickly at a young age. His last months were difficult ones. My mother withdrew herself from her friends, from the tribe, and from society in general. She focused on taking care of my father, making him comfortable, and in the end she never really seemed to move on. She filled the hole in her heart with greenery, and preferred time with her plants above all else. As the years went by her preference for all things green only became worse. When our house, and vegetable garden seemed that they couldn't house any more she moved onto the backyard, built a greenhouse, gardened in the front yard, created an orchard, a berry patch, a wildflower meadow, a grand topiary display, and this year a frog pond. It seemed there was no end to her love of growing plant life. Just as there was no end to my need for Bella Swan.

Bella and I casually strolled to the house. My mother wasn't accustomed to my bringing girls home that I actually introduced her to. Once I turned 18 and entered the work force, it pretty much became my house. Mom never questioned my house guests, my comings and goings, or the pack. She would recognize the significance of her introduction to Isabella, and hopefully be on her best behavior.

When my feet reached the porch I felt Bella's tiny hand release from mine. She felt self conscious.

Damn that Jacob Black, he wasn't even here and he influenced her! If he's so much as stuck anything more than a tongue down her throat I'd have his hide!

I was growing increasing protective of Bella, and Instinctively I reached for her hand again and gripped it within mine.

Bella wrinkled her nose slightly but didn't object. I was making head way. I think. I so wanted Bella to never leave, and if I had anything to do with it…she wouldn't. I wanted her for my own, to warm my heart and my bed.

We had just entered the house when I heard Bella gasp, and her cheeks flushed pink, embarrassed at her reaction. She didn't speak, or maybe couldn't speak. I get that a lot, thanks to my mother's love of all things organic. I couldn't blame her. I had become accustomed to the sight, desensitized, but new comers were generally in awe.

The exterior of the Bennett house couldn't hold a candle to the interior. My mother's green thumb could easily kick the ass of any master gardener for miles around. She was like a PBS documentary on gardening gone out of control. If there was ever a video series entitled "Gardeners Gone Wild", my mother would be front and center.

You want orchids? We've got those. Dozens of varieties, most of which my mother had poised in our bathroom since the steam from the shower created the most "rain forest" like environment. A few were positioned in the main entrance, but my mother rotated them regularly.

Herbs? You name it they were everywhere. I mean everywhere. They sat on window sills, on tables, side tables, and end tables, they hung from the ceiling and sprouted new plants in egg cartons under a grow light.

How about a vine? Yup, one wraps itself around a birch post and meanders across the ceiling of the downstairs. I turned to Bella just in time to watch her eyes appraise the room, continually scanning its contents. I couldn't tell if she were impressed, awe struck, or just plain horrified.

Cacti you say? From the tall cactus in the corner to the many dish gardens that decorate the downstairs, we look a gift shop straight out of Mesa. Minus the plastic Indians and bad south western jewelry.

From spider plants, to philodendron, amaryllis to bonsai my mother had pimped our house with greens to mammoth proportions. Bella still remained silent. She was too busy looking at the orange growing from a miniature orange bonsai plant on the coffee table, to notice that my mother had entered the room.

"Why Hello!" my mother boomed, she didn't have company enough to gauge when she was too loud. I smiled at my mother, she looked delighted. Bella jumped slightly, and then turned her attention to my mother.

"This must be the lady that I heard so much about Paul," my mother began. I nodded. "Isadora."

My face went blank. Isadora? Had she really just said that?

"Isabella, Mom. Her name is Isabella!" I corrected, wanting to turn back time. This was not how I imagined things going. I'd only told my mother her name was ISABELLA two-hundred damn times!

"Just Bella." Bella replied extending her arm to my mother as if to shake her hand. No such luck in this house. My mother stepped forward and wrapped both of her arms around Bella's petite frame, embracing her in a hug. Bella looks stunned, but returned the gesture.

"I've heard so much about you, you seem like family." My mother replied. I shot her a knowing look. Careful, Mom. Let's not scare the crap out of Bella.

"You are even more beautiful than I expected." My mother continued. If I had been keeping score I would award her ten points on that alone.

"Though you are very pale. Are you eating enough? Maybe you should spend more time in the sun. Vitamin D is very important, and emerging science shows it promotes breast health."

NEGATIVE ten points. Clearly my mother had been watching too much tv.

Bella just smiled, very graciously. Her poise impressed me. She impressed me. I was as hard as an iron spike, and growing physically uncomfortable as a result. I looked down at the growing bulge below my waist and pulled my t-shirt down. Even just the sight of Bella, in my living room was extremely erotic.

Mine.

"Do you like lavender Isabella?" My mother asked sweetly, looking at Bella with a warm motherly smile.

"Please Mrs. Bennett, call me Bella. Yes, I do like lavender, I think."

"Good dear. Paul told me that you sometimes have very vivid dreams and the scent will help you to find restful sleep. I put one in his room for you to enjoy." She concluded by reaching out and placing a kiss on Bella's forehead before nodding toward me and steeping to the side to exit out the front door.

"I've got a mess in the green house I need to tend to before the sun goes down. Excuse me." Humming, my mother made her way out the door and into the yard.

Bella stood motionless, her back to me. She was completely still as if a snake were curled around her feet. My mother had assumed that Bella would be staying in my bedroom. She had assumed correctly. Though the look on Bella's face read that of pure surprise. I needed her to focus on something else.

Maybe a nude full body massage? Bad idea. G rated, Paul.

"Do you really like lavender?" I asked. "We can take it out, they can be very fragrant."

Bella whipped around to face me. Her injured arm pinned at her side.

"I'm not staying here Paul. I have school tomorrow. What is she talking about?"

"A day or two of missed school won't change your GPA, Bella. Of course you're staying here. I'm not about to let out of my sight if there is a vampire roaming around asking for you." I replied as calming as I could.

"What about Char-"

I cut her off.

"I'll handle Charlie."

Bella face grew red, she bit her lower lip and narrowed her eyes slightly. She wasn't buying it.

"What if I don't want to stay here Paul? I want to go home."

I paused, choosing my words carefully. This was my chance, Bella wasn't getting off the hook that easily. My growing manhood began to take charge and I could feel the control faltering. Then again, actions DO speak louder than words, and I have always been a man of action.

Quickly I stepped forward, scooping her into my arms like a sack of potatoes. It wasn't the visual of a romantic movie, put it did the trick. If I had been an actual Neanderthal I would have welcomed the opportunity to carry her off to my cave and possess every inch of her. Given that I was only part animal, I still welcomed the opportunity.

"Paul! What the hell?" Bella squeaked, twisting in my embrace in an effort to squiggle to the ground.

"Enough talk Bella."I replied sharply, but still trying to be somewhat charming. My self control was being pulled dangerously thin and I was about to come apart with need. "I told you that I'd handle your Dad, and I will." I continued, my voice softening. "I meant what I said, you're not going anywhere with a vampire on the loose."

Or with my pants straining to keep my Johnson from popping out.

With a handful of long strides I came to my bedroom, where I kicked the door open with my foot and brought her to the softest landing I could think of. My bed.

Bella exhaled with a huff as I placed her on her back pinned her in place with my arms at each side of her body, hovering over her. The visual of her across the center of my bed, with her brown hair cascading across the comforter, reignited the fantasies that my mind had been conjuring up.

"What are you doing?" she screeched looking stunned at my forwardness.

I paused before answering, giving her a chance to take in her surroundings. This was going to be the easy part.

"Bella Swan, I am going to prove to you that you liked my kiss. If you still insist upon going home when I'm done, I'll take you. But you won't want to." I fought with myself to control the beast within me. It was a creature of strong emotion and fierce desires. That beast was nudged awake every time I looked at Bella. I knew I couldn't cage it and it would never be tamed.

"I don't understand-" Bella began, but I cut her off by brushing my lips across the side of her cheek. Bella trembled. She turned her head slightly, intending to speak but she could find no words. Instead she starred up at me in surprise.

Bella's skin was a clear, soft shade of ivory and I knew it tasted as sweet and warm as it looked. When she started to move away I lowed myself slightly to hold her still. I wanted to feel her warmth envelope me. Though I ached to linger at her cheek, feasting upon the soft skin, I kissed my way across to her lips. Her eyes were wide and held a look of shock mixed with curiosity and wonder. Now her lips were slightly parted and I took quick advantage kissing her deeply with a need I could no longer hold back.