Paul Lahote’s life since becoming a werewolf has been nothing short of exciting. Rogue vampires, newfound powers, and an unshakeable brotherhood should have been enough to keep him occupied for however long his extended mortality allows. It would have been enough until he rescues a drowning human and imprints after saving her life. Throw in a case of amnesia to complicate matters further and suddenly Paul’s unsure of if he’ll ever know peace again.
It takes a while for the pack to return, long enough for Emily to fix you both a late lunch and all but force you into a chair at the dining table to eat with her. You’re slumped against the table, chin propped up on your arm as you sleepily listen to Emily telling you stories about the guys from their time as wolves when the back door swings open with a cacophony of noise. Voices and laughter overlap each other and you perk up to watch them come tumbling through. They’re all smiling, Sam beelining for Emily to press a kiss to her cheek while the other two head your way.
Jared pats your shoulder on his way by, heading for the couch in the sitting room to collapse onto. Paul stops next to your chair smiling somewhat bashfully down at you.
“Sorry about that, sunshine.” He rubs at the back of his neck with a quiet laugh. “Do you want to go outside? I’m sure you’ve got more questions for me now.”
”Just a few.” You stand trying to ignore the way everyone in the room is watching you both.
Paul nods to Sam wordlessly and tugs you out the front of the house, stopping only long enough to grab a shirt out of the back of Jared’s truck. You’re both quiet for a while, content to let the sound of your footsteps fill the air until you reach your cottage. You lead Paul around the back to the steps to the porch and pull him down to sit next to you.
“Are you okay?” You ask quietly. You hadn’t seen any damage to him when he’d come in but you’re almost certain he’d be the type to try and hide it.
“Not a scratch.” He confirms with a nod.
”That’s good.” You feel like you can breathe a little sigh of relief knowing he hadn’t been injured. “Can I ask, what is an imprint? And why did Jared say I was your imprint?”
“It’s a wolf thing.” He begins unhelpfully. “Kind of a confusing wolf thing. Legends say that it’s rare, but so far it’s happened to all of us. After we phase our wolf lives within us, sort of like we’re sharing space in our body with it. It’s why we sometimes react to things more strongly than necessary, or differently than we used to. When we imprint it only takes one look at the person for our wolf to do it, and once we imprint it changes everything. It’s like the center of our universe shifts and our imprint is the focus of it. We’d do anything, be anything for our imprint. I guess it’s sort of like soulmates, but different.”
”So that day on the beach, when you saved me. Did you imprint on me then?” A sour feeling has settled in your gut, unease at the way Paul’s describing imprinting.
“Yeah, as soon as our eyes met it happened. I thought it was the universe punishing me at first, giving me the one thing that my wolf truly ever desired to then just take it away. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t survived that day.” Paul reaches out to grasp your clammy hand as if he’s unable to continue without a physical reminder that you’re alright.
”Doesn’t it bother you though? Had you not imprinted you probably wouldn’t have stuck around so long in the hospital. You wouldn’t have felt the need to help me like you have been. You should resent me if anything Paul for essentially tying you down for the rest of our lives.” You can’t understand why he isn’t upset about the situation, can’t understand why he’s still looking at you like you hung the moon and the stars.
“I don’t think of it as you tying me down. You don’t make me feel trapped or stuck, sunshine, you make me feel centered. I feel like I’m finally whole, for the first time since I’ve become what I am I feel complete. When I’m around you my wolf isn’t angry and restless, you’re the one person in the world that I could never resent.” His voice has gone quiet, nearly whispering, his tone full of reverence.
“But how do you know that it’s your choice? Your feelings, not just what your wolf or the universe or whoever says you’re supposed to feel.” You can’t deny the warmth that’s blossoming in your chest at hearing how he feels about you, but you refuse to let yourself truly believe it without knowing it's his decision.
“It may have been my wolf that imprinted on you, but he’s still part of me. It is me, just a part of me I didn’t know about up until a few months ago. I’m still me, still hotheaded stubborn old Paul Lahote. It might have been the wolf that imprinted on you, but it’s me that’s choosing to pursue you in more than a friendly way. My wolf could live with it if we were just friends, but I can’t. I don’t want to be friends with you sunshine, I want it all.” Paul’s free hand comes up to cup your cheek, to make sure you’re paying attention to what he’s saying like he couldn’t take it if you didn’t believe him.
”I don’t want to be friends with you either.” You breathe, leaning up to close the gap between the two of you.
”Say it, baby.”
”I want you, Paul Lahote.” His eyes flutter shut at your words, breath leaving his chest in a soft exhale. “I want you to kiss me.”
He closes the final few inches between you instead of answering, thumb stroking your cheek like you’re something special, something to be treasured. You’re his whole world and as far as you’re concerned he’s your universe. Your anchor when you feel like you’re floating out to sea, lost in the tide of who you once were and who you might still be.
This kiss is worlds different from the first. It’s tender and slow like it alone is working to smooth out all of your combined rough edges. Your free hand tangles in his shirt, tugging at it to pull him closer even though you’re already pressed against each other on the stoop. Paul drops your hand in favor of wrapping his arm around your back enveloping you entirely in his warmth, in him.
You sigh happily against his lips when you finally part, eyes blinking open syrupy slow and foreheads pressed together like you can’t stand to get too far. He grins down at you, eyes dancing with relief and joy and a myriad of emotions you can’t quite name. A grin mirrors his on your lips, slightly reddened and swollen from your kisses.
“Does this mean you get to keep me warm at night instead of your quilt?” You ask with a quiet laugh when his eyes widen in surprise.
”How’d you know it was mine?” A faint flush draws attention to a small smattering of freckles over his cheeks and the strong bridge of his nose.
”Because it smelled like you.” You shrug, burying your face in his chest at his teasing laugh.
”There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, baby.” He smacks a loud kiss to your ear making you squeal and attempt to struggle out of his grip. He doesn’t let you go, opting instead to haul you into his lap and hook his chin over your shoulder. “We should probably check back in with the others soon, before they think you’ve skipped town.”
“We can in a little while,” you sigh, leaning into him fully. “I’d like to stay like this for a bit.”
“As long as you want.” He promises and you smile content to soak up the last of the sunshine with Paul.
A/N: get ready for a beefy chapter yall! This one was a long one but so fun to write. As always my DMs and ask box are open if you want to chat!!!
remember to shoot me a message if you want to be added to the taglist!
—-
Life in La Push passed you both slowly and quickly all at once. Your days were spent mostly with Emily, though Paul always managed to find an excuse to pop in throughout the day with or without Sam. Emily’s home seemed to operate as sort of a home base for the friend group, always filled with life and noise from someone.
Surprisingly your memory has been coming back to you in little flashes and bursts, mainly while you slept but occasionally you’ll blurt out a random fact from your life to the amusement of everyone around you. You’d yet to remember anything of particular importance, only little flashes of memories like graduating high school, getting your first pet, or visiting friends.
Part of you felt guilty for enjoying your newfound life so much, like you owed it to the family you left behind to be miserable until your memory returned. Thankfully Paul was good at chasing the negative feelings away. You felt like he somehow had a radar for when you were feeling down and would show up at the perfect moment with a little gift, a teasing quip, or an adventure to drag you on. Your favorite had to be the little dish of paper stars that you were collecting on your kitchen table. Most of them were made from old receipts, wrappers, or stray scraps but some were made of sturdy cardstock or brightly colored strips of paper. The first time he’d brought you one Paul had almost been bashful, dropping it into your hand and brushing off how sweet the notion had been.
The girls had taken to teasing you over your crush on Paul. Gentle ribs and jokes falling from their mouths anytime they caught you fawning over the man that had saved your life. You prayed that it was all out of Paul’s earshot, though you doubted you were doing a good job of hiding it yourself. A well timed grin from the man sent you into a giddy spiral of flushed cheeks and a hammering heart.
A month or so into your stay found you and Jared trekking through the woods, a backpack on his shoulders and a map clutched in your grasp. He’d hardly even glanced at it, insisting he knew his way around the woods better than anyone that had made the map. You’d read an article on retracing your metaphorical steps as a tool in recovering memories, and Jared had drawn the short stick in accompanying you.
“Are you sure we’re going the right way?” You’re hesitant to ask, looking down at the map only makes you more confused but the further you walk the further you’re sure you’ll be lost forever. You’d been walking for nearly an hour now and all you could tell for sure was that you were steadily climbing uphill.
“Are you doubting my skills Sunny?” He turns around to face you, his lips breaking into a wide grin as you roll your eyes.
“I just don’t understand how anybody knows where they’re going in all of this green.” You nudge a patch of moss with your shoe only slightly miserable at the fact that all this walk has done was remind you of just how wet Washington weather could be.
“If I told you I'd end up having to kill you.” Jared winks, pulling back a stray clump of branches to reveal a tiny clearing filled with a few large rocks and squishy moss.
You’re in the middle of rolling your eyes, inhaling to retort something just as smart back at him when a blur of red streaks through the corner of your vision. You lurch backwards on instinct, tripping over a tree root and tumbling to the ground. The blur stops moving revealing it to be a woman. She’s tall and lean and impossibly pale, eyes set in a vicious glare, and horrifyingly enough her eyes are bright red. Every cell in your body screams that this woman is dangerous, is wrong.
Before you even have a chance to scream for him Jared is suddenly behind the woman, shaking from every inch of his body. He explodes and right where he had stood now stands a great wolf, larger than any animal you’d ever seen in your life. The wolf snarls and lunges for the woman and they begin to move around the small clearing in a never ending blur.
You’re screaming before you realize it, the shock of the situation finally catching up to you. It takes a minute to find the strength, but you’re almost on your feet when two more dark blurs come streaking through the trees on either side of you.
Your heart plummets to your stomach fearing more people have come to hurt you and what was once Jared, but instead it turns out to be two more of the massive wolves. The black one is the biggest of all three, lunging into the fight without hesitation while the second, a dark silvery grey color, lurks on the outside. It takes a moment for you to realize it but it seems to be protecting you, snarling and snapping its jaw like it wants more than anything to join the fight, but keeps at a distance.
Every time the fight tries to drift towards you the wolf takes a few more steps back, never turning its back on the action entirely but keeping an eye out for where you’re cowering against the base of a large tree. The woman makes a desperate lunge for the fringes of the fight, blurring underneath the twisting forms of the wolves and makes a break for the treeline once more. The two wolves follow immediately, though the one that had been shielding you follows them to the edge of the clearing before doubling back for you.
Your breath comes in shallow pants, and you press yourself as close to the rough bark of the tree that you can. The wolf stops a few paces away from you, lowering itself onto its belly as it sniffs cautiously at the air.
“Please don’t hurt me.” You beg, your throat growing tight with panic. You know crying won’t help anything, but you can’t help the hot tears that begin to streak down your face. The wolf lets out a rumbly whine standing from its crouch with a little shake of its head. It lopes off into the treeline next to you, disappearing from sight before you have the chance to see where it went.
You’re alone for only a moment, just the sound of your ragged breath filling the gloomy clearing until the brush begins to rustle again.
“Paul?” You gasp, mind reeling at seeing him coming through the brush. His shirt is missing and he’s clad in only a pair of shorts that look like they might have been pants once upon a time.
He reaches you almost immediately, crouching in front of your trembling form. His eyebrows pinch in the middle and he looks conflicted for a moment before he reaches out to you. You launch yourself into his hold, desperate for a shred of the safety that he usually fills you up with, the dam on your emotions breaking once he’s got you in his firm grip.
”Hey sunshine, you’re okay I promise.” He’s rocking you back and forth slowly, one hand cupping the back of your head where your face is buried in his neck and the other drags slow lines up your back. “I’ve got you, nothing’s gonna hurt you I promise.”
”I don’t know what’s happening.” You whimper, unable to care that you’re practically in his lap by now. “Paul, I’m scared.”
”You’re gonna be okay, she’s gone. Sam and Jared aren’t going to let her get to you.” His lips graze your forehead leaving a trail of warmth on your clammy skin.
“Sam and Jared?” You repeat back at him still not comprehending how he and your two friends just became giant wolves.
“Yeah baby, they’re taking care of it. Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?” He tries to pull back from you a little to make sure you’re physically okay, but you double down on your grip around him desperate not to lose the contact. “Okay, I’m not going anywhere. That’s fine, just talk to me sunshine.”
“‘M okay.” You croak, not caring that your palms may be a little scraped up from the fall. “Just stay.”
“I’d never leave you.” He soothes, pressing another kiss to your head. “We need to get you out of the woods and get your hands cleaned up.”
“How did you know?” You finally pull back enough to stare up at him. He’s already watching you, brushing tear tracks off your cheeks with the gentlest touch.
“I smelled the blood.” He answers as if it was obvious, prompting you to roll your eyes at him.
”What was that Paul? I need to know.” You press as he helps you to your feet finally, needing answers to the events of the afternoon. “I mean, you and Sam and Jared can, what? Turn into wolves? Do you know how insane that is? And, and that woman. She was so quick, and she just came out of nowhere. She was trying to hurt Jared, to hurt us. Oh my god she’s trying to hurt us we have to make sure they’re okay, she could kill them. Paul! We have to-“
Your panicked tirade is cut off by Paul gripping the front of your coat and dragging you close enough for him to crush his lips onto yours. The kiss is far from tender and sweet and everything you’d been dreaming of when thinking of your first kiss with Paul. It’s dominance and reckless and everything that Paul pretends he isn’t when he’s around you, but deep down you know they’re the actions that make up who he is fundamentally. It’s insane and surprising and wholly wrong given the circumstances but it feels completely right. When Paul finally pulls away you’re sat staring up at him in wide eyed shock.
“Remind me how effective that is the next time I need you to stop talking.” A cocky smirk graces his lips as he tugs you towards the treeline.
Your knees feel like jelly and the first step you try to take threatens to send you crashing back to the ground. Paul catches you before you have the chance to fall, sweeping you into his arms with ease.
“You just kissed me.” You feel like you might be going into shock, all the revelations of the day making your head swirl.
”I can do it again if it’ll help you form a coherent thought.” Paul laughs. “Will you be okay with me taking you back to Em’s? I think I probably owe you a really big explanation.”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Your response is immediate, confused that he would even be asking.
“Well a man you’ve only known for a few months just turned into a wolf in front of you with his friends to save you from becoming a leech’s snack. That’s enough to send someone off the brink. Factor in the best kiss of your life and who knows-“
“How do you know that was the best kiss of my life?” You cut him off, cheeks burning bright when he levels you with a flat look.
“Let me have this please.” You can tell that he’s starting to relax, that your lack of fear towards him is easing something deep down in him.
You're content to let him carry you through the forest, only offering once to walk and subsequently having to apologize for questioning his strength. What took you and Jared nearly an hour to get through takes Paul only half of that. Soon you’re breaking through the treeline a few feet away from the little lot Jared’s truck was parked in. He eases you into the passenger seat and flashes you an award winning smile which you can’t help but return fondly.
The drive to Emily’s is quiet, Paul allowing you the few minutes it takes to start to process everything that happened. She’s on the front porch when the truck pulls into the drive, watering the many plants she has in multicolored pots. Emily only looks a little surprised to see Paul getting out with you instead of Jared, but her eyes immediately widen when she sees your muddy clothes and the dried blood on your hands.
“What happened out there?” She gasps, setting down the watering can to open the front door and usher you both inside.
“Cats out of the bag Em, come on sunshine there should be a first aid kit around here somewhere.” Paul steers you to sit in one of the wooden chairs at the small circular dinner table.
“Shouldn’t you say wolf?” Your joke is lame but it earns you a brief smile from Paul and seems to chip away at some of the tension in him.
“You’re taking this pretty well Sunny.” Emily muses, depositing the first aid kit on the table next to you.
“Well a vampire just tried to kill me and then I watched half the people I know turn into really big wolves. I kind of feel crazy.” You hiss when Paul dabs your scrapes with antiseptic soaked gauze.
“Sorry, sorry. Think she’s going into shock?” He ignores your huffed protest in favor of cleaning up your other hand.
“Give our girl some credit,” she smiles, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. “I’ll get you a blanket though as soon as he’s finished fussing over you.”
You want to brush off their concern, to reassure them you’re fine, but part of you does feel a little shellshocked and shaky still. Inherently you know you’re no less safer with them now than you were this morning, but your nervous system doesn’t want to realize it. It’s left your head aching and your hands a little shaky, though Paul is doing a good job of steadying them in his own.
Neither Paul or Emily quit hovering around you until your hands are bandaged, your clothes are changed, and you’ve got a blanket draped over your shoulders. Paul sits next to you on the couch, the small TV playing a rerun of the midday news though nobody is paying it any attention. Your head is tipped against his arm, soaking in his warmth and the anchoring security he brings.
“Is this a wolf thing too?” You whisper eventually, suspecting his hearing is far better than the average human's. “The warmth?”
“Yeah, one hundred nine degrees if you want to get technical. Better eyesight, hearing, reflexes. You name it we probably have it. Heal fast too.” He lists his attributes as if it’s as simple as his favorite color or hobbies.
“Is that why you’re nineteen but look like you’re almost thirty?” A weak laugh bubbles out of you at the way he gently thumps your forehead in retaliation for that comment.
“We prefer mid twenties actually, but yes. As far as legends say we don’t age as long as we’re phasing. And we phase as long as we feel the need to protect you humans from vampires.” His arm shifts and your head thunks against his chest instead, his arm wrapping around your shoulders to hold you closer.
“Is she, the only one? Or are there more?” You ask, suddenly curious to know if there’s people you’ve walked right past and not known what they were.
“There was a large coven that stayed in the area until recently. The doctor from the hospital, Dr. Cullen. His family, though they’ve left the area it seems they’ve left some stragglers behind. So far it’s just Sam, Jared, and I but the elders think that Embry or Jacob are going to be next. At least they will be if we can’t run out the leeches first.”
“Isn’t that a little counterintuitive? Being a vampire but being a doctor as well?” You’re amused by the idea, though slightly disturbed at the fact that the man that had been in charge of your care in the hospital could have easily killed you.
“Ironic maybe.” Paul agrees, squishing you a bit closer to him. “Any more questions for me?”
“Does the whole reservation know?” Surely not or there’d be a lot more talk about the ‘Uley Gang’ you’d heard someone refer to the boys as.
“No. Just the elders, you, Em, and Kim. You can’t tell anyone okay? It’s got to be a secret.” He sounds far more serious than you’ve ever heard him sound in the past and you straighten up a bit subconsciously.
“Promise.” You swear, feeling both touched and nervous to be in the know on such a huge secret. “Are you only allowed to tell me because I saw it happen? I’m surprised nobody’s trying to gaslight me into thinking it was a bear or something.”
Paul goes suddenly tense as if he himself is nervous. You’re about to ask him what’s wrong when the door flies open and Jared and Sam come pushing through. He’s on his feet in an instant, hands balling into tight fists as he locks in on Jared. There’s no time for warnings or anything before Paul is right up in Jared’s face all but snarling at the slightly shorter boy.
“What the hell man!” Jared yelps, trying to take a step back from Paul but he isn’t allowing it.
“You had one job Jared. One job to keep her safe and you let a damn leech almost get her?” You go to stand as Jared starts to defend himself, hellbent on coming to his aid and insisting that you’re fine thank you very much, but Sam’s hands land firmly on your shoulders and steer you further away from the pair.
“Stay back Sunny, it’s not safe to get between them when they’re like this.” He deposits you with Emily and turns back to the boys, heaving a heavy sigh when he sees Paul lunge for Jared.
Emily laces your fingers together, making sure to keep the both of you out of the way as Sam delves into the fight. He’s trying to corral them to the back entrance, into the privacy of the back yard for them to hash the fight out with little luck.
“Listen I know she’s your imprint and all but chill bro! She didn’t even get hurt!” You can see Jared growing angry as well, retaliating with every shove and blow Paul tries to land. Paul snarls something back at Jared but you can’t quite understand it before Sam shoves them out the door with one final barked order.
You stand shellshocked for a moment, beyond surprised at what just unfurled in front of you. Gone was the sweet, charming, and gentle man you’d grown accustomed to. A loud snarl followed by the ripping sound of cloth had you flying to the closest window and watching as Paul and Jared tumbled into the forest to continue their disagreement.
“Are they going to be okay?” You gasp, whirling back around to face Emily, stomach twisting uneasily at the fact that you were the cause of their disagreement.
“More than. This used to happen a lot in the early days. Paul’s always had a bit of a temper, quick to anger and all that. It’s gotten better since you’ve come around, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Emily’s still frowning out the window at the scene, but true to her word she doesn’t look concerned in the slightest.
“What did Jared mean? When he called me Paul’s imprint, what does that mean?” The way Emily’s face twists with hesitation makes your stomach drop to your feet. Surely whatever that meant it can’t be good.
“That’s a conversation that you’re going to have to have with Paul, Sunny. It’s really not my place to tell you, but I promise it’s nothing bad. The opposite really, you’ll see. Just promise you’ll hear him out?” You’re reluctant to agree but there’s a feeling in your gut that tells you it’s going to turn out okay. Surely if Paul’s involved it’ll be okay. Right?
A/N: Buckle up guys it’s time for a bonfire!!! As always thank you for all the support on this little idea of mine. It truly means the world! My ask box is always open for any requests or chats you might have!!!
Lastly, if you’re interested in joining the taglist for this story just shoot me a message or comment down below and let me know and I’ll get you added for the next one!
—
The bonfire ends up being directly on the beach, already blazing decently high by the time you and Paul get there. He’d all but forced one of his sweaters over your head when he’d picked you up that afternoon, claiming that the jeans and long sleeved shirt you found in your closet wouldn’t be sufficient. You’re clutching a blanket to your chest in a nervous grip as you pick your way through the softer sand onto the sturdier shore.
You can see two men setting up what appears to be two small folding tables while two women begin to unpack the contents of two coolers onto it. They catch sight of you and Paul first, the shorter of the two abandoning the bowl she’d been in the middle of setting out to greet you both.
“Paul!” She crows, long dark hair fluttering in the sea breeze. “We weren’t sure you were coming. Jared thought you were planning on keeping her all to yourself.”
”Knock it off Kim, I said I was bringing her didn’t I?” You don’t have to be looking at Paul to tell he’s rolling his eyes goodnaturedly at the woman in front of you.
”Yeah yeah.” She gripes, her attention sliding to yours with a broad smile. “I’m Kim, Jared’s better half. We’re so glad you came, the numbers are finally even!”
”Glad to be of service.” You can’t help but laugh, letting Kim link her arm with your good one to tow you closer to the group.
“Babe look! You owe me twenty!” Kim draws the attention of one of the tall men. He breaks away from where he’d been talking with the other two, drawn to Kim almost like a magnet. His arm loops around her waist as if it were instinct and he hides his smirk in her hair. “You’ll learn not to bet against me one of these days.”
”Maybe tomorrow. Hey, I’m Jared.” His nod to you is friendly, polite but still cautious, something you can understand. You really are a complete stranger to all of them at the end of the day. He’s quickly pulled away from Kim by Paul’s strong grip, the pair stumbling a few feet off in their roughhousing.
“We’re glad you could make it.” A different voice cuts in. You turn to greet the other two, the largest of the men holding a hand out for you to shake. You take it somewhat awkwardly trying your best not to drop the blanket still in your grasp. “I’m Sam, this is my fiance Emily. It’s nice to see you not on the verge of turning blue.”
You grin at the way Emily elbows Sam, turning to shoot a swift look up at him. She turns just the right way for the light from the fire to catch the side of her face. Your eyes can’t help but to land on the scars that Paul had warned you of but you do your best to swiftly divert your gaze to her warm eyes not wanting to make any of them uncomfortable.
“Thanks,” you huffed a quiet laugh glad to see that nobody was going to be walking on eggshells around you. “Thank you again for everything you guys have done with the cabin and all. I really appreciate it.”
”Don’t mention it, you’re family now as far as we’re concerned. Come on, those two might be a while.” Emily pulls out of Sam’s hold to take up your other side and together the three of you finish the trek to the roaring fire.
Paul joins you a while later once you’re settled on the blanket and chatting happily with the girls. He’s bearing two plates piled high with more food than you’ve ever seen someone possibly eat in one sitting. You’re even more shocked when he plops one down in your lap along with an icy cold beer can.
“Don’t look so surprised, we’ll call it a perk of not knowing how old you actually are.” He teases nudging your shoulder with his, cracking a can of his own open.
”And your excuse is?” You quip back, already investigating what your plate holds. “I might not remember who I am but I do remember you being only nineteen.”
”Semantics, sunshine.”
The six of you settle into a comfortable rhythm, jokes and laughter coming easy. The ball of nerves that had tightened in your chest on the way over finally released at the way the group integrates you in seamlessly. By the time you’re finished eating it feels like you’ve been in the fold for years. You’d barely made a dent in the plate that Paul had made you, and you felt bad about letting it go to waste until Paul took it off your hands. He stacked yours on top of his already empty plate and kept eating without breaking his conversation with Sam.
“So what do you think brought you all the way here? I mean most of the time tourists pick Seattle or hell somewhere sunnier.” Kim’s question comes in the middle of two other conversations and somehow manages to end them both effectively turning all the attention to you.
“Um, well I’m not really sure. It’s really pretty here, maybe I was coming for the scenery.” You frown a little, frustration bubbling up at the nagging feeling that you know why you came to La Push, but you just can’t put a finger on it. You think you hear Sam mumble something about enjoying the scenery alright under his breath, but Emily stomps not so subtly on his foot and flashes you a consoling smile.
“A lot of people come to watch the whales this time of year. Maybe you were interested in animals.” You hum noncommittally at that. Sure animals were cute and all, but you don’t think you were particularly interested in them pre-fall. “Oh! There’s some beautiful trailheads around here too, maybe you’re a hiker or some kind of wilderness explorer.”
”I must have made for a pretty bad one to fall off the side of a cliff.” You snort at that, leaning closer to Paul as subtly as you can when the wind picks up. Despite all the layers and the fire burning merrily in front of you it really was getting quite cold and he seemed to radiate heat like a furnace. You’re happy to just have him blocking a bit of the breeze until he slings an arm around your shoulders and hauls you even closer. You’re sitting hip to hip now and trying your hardest to will the furious blush rising up your neck away.
Conversation quickly transitions from conspiracy theories about your appearance in town to a rumor Jared and Kim heard in town about one of the teachers at the local school. You had no clue who anyone in the story was, but was content to just bask in the sound of their voices and the warmth all but pouring out of Paul.
”Are you having fun?” His voice is low, quiet enough not to interrupt Kim and Emily’s heated debate but loud enough to be heard over all the noise.
“Definitely. Your friends are really great.” You tilt your head up to smile at him, surprised to find him already grinning down at you. He really is handsome, the fire cutting sharp angles on his face and sparking off the lighter flecks of color in his deep brown eyes. The wind has tousled his hair a little, sending it poking up at odd angles, but you still find him as attractive as you had the day you deliriously woke up in the hospital.
“They’re yours now too.” He tugs at a loose strand of hair floating around your face. “Warm enough? You can have this jacket too if you need it.”
”No I’m okay, this is good.” You duck your head a little bashful at the brilliant smile he sends you when you admit to liking being cuddled up to him. Paul tightens his arm around you, pressing you more firmly up against him before turning his attention back to the group.
The bonfire burns on into the early hours of the morning, and by the time you’re packing up to leave you’ve secured an invitation to spend your days with Emily when you’re free and Paul is working. You learn that he’s employed as a carpenter working with Jared for Sam’s construction company that they’re working to get off the ground. Work is apparently slow coming, but they’re negotiating with officials in Forks to secure a contract to maintain the school’s buildings.
Together the six of you make quick work putting out the fire and loading everything up in Sam’s truck. You try to help but get relegated to holding the blanket Paul brought when he catches you trying to lift things one handed. Kim and Emily pull you into tight hugs once everything is done, both a little buzzed from the alcohol that had been passed around. You’re feeling a little light on your feet, though whether it’s from the beer or the high of the night you’re not sure.
“Don’t be a stranger Sunny, you don’t need an invitation to come see me.” Emily gives you an extra squeeze while saying goodbye.
”Sunny?” You question, tilting your head in confusion at her.
“Well we have to call you something, and I don’t think Paul over there would appreciate it if we all started to call you sunshine.” She delights at your blush and Paul’s noise of protest, squeezing your good hand that was still entangled in hers. “We can think of something else if you don’t like it, but I think it suits you.”
”No, it’s. I like it.” You grin back at her and Kim, their excitement infectious. “It feels right.”
A/N: I’m so happy that this little idea of mine has been so well received!! I appreciate all your kind messages and am always around if you’d like to chat or request anything!!
—-
“Are you sure that this is okay? Even though I don’t have any way to repay-“
”Sunshine, if you finish that sentence we’re going to have a very unhappy ride from town.” Paul’s gruff voice cuts through your attempt at a protest. You’re sitting in the cab of his truck on the way back to the reservation from spending two very long days in the hospital.
You’ve lost count of how many doctors, nurses, and even police officers came to visit you. There was a never ending barrage of questions that came with each visit, leaving you exhausted and frustrated by the end of each one. You’d managed to remember exactly nothing of your life and the search of the area where you’d fallen had come up with nothing that resembled any belongings of yours.
The one constant in the terrifying and confusing situation had been Paul. True to his word he’d been there through every moment of your hospital stay, only leaving when the nurses practically drug him out of there at the end of visiting hours. It had worried you the first night, tossing and turning wondering if the only person that had managed to make you feel safe was going to come back. It wasn’t healthy, and it was something you were well aware of, but the thought of navigating this new and confusing life without him by your side felt unsurviveable.
Luckily it was a fear that was quickly squashed when Paul came ambling through your door the next morning, bearing the gift of coffee from a diner nearby and a bright Tupperware container full of homemade muffins. He’d told you of how his friend Sam had filled the elders of La Push in on your situation and that they’d offered up a cabin near the edge of town to you until you’d recovered. Apparently it was an old ranger’s cabin but Sam and some of the local boys had spent every free minute fixing it up for you to stay in. Paul was nice enough not to tease you about the way your eyes filled with tears at the overwhelmingly kind gesture.
“I just feel, bad I guess? I mean you’ve all done so much for me already. I don’t want to be a burden.” You’re frowning down at the end of the cast that pokes out from the borrowed clothes you’re wearing. Nurse Linda had given you the option to pick a color to wrap it in that morning and you’d gone for a cheery pink hoping it would lift your spirits. At the moment all it did was make you feel like you had a neon sign hanging above your head advertising your identity (or lack thereof) to the town.
Paul’s quiet for a minute, eyes locked straight ahead as he navigates the bending roads. One hand holds the wheel firmly and the other taps an unfamiliar rhythm on the bench seat.
“One day it’s all going to make sense, but for now I need you to trust me when I say that you could never be a burden. If staying in that cabin for the rest of your life is what will make you happy then do it. We’ll find something for you to do when your arm is better, if it's what you want, just stay.” He takes his eyes off the road long enough to lock eyes with you. Determination swims in them with a little bit of fear and frustration? No, that can’t be right. You try to parcel it out but his gaze is gone before you get the chance to, turned back to the road and the scenery that stretches out in front of you.
Something churning in your gut spurs you into action. Before you really know you’re doing it, your good arm unlatches your seatbelt and you scoot down the bench until you’re next to Paul. He tenses in alarm at first, foot coming off of the pedal before realizing what you’re doing and settling back again. Your cast prevents you from fully grabbing his hand, so you make do with just looping your arm through his and leaning your forehead against the strong muscle of his bicep.
”A little warning next time would be appreciated, woman. Thought you were about to launch yourself out the window.” Paul teases you goodnaturedly, tugging playfully at your fingers. He seems to hear the silent answer to his request and doesn’t push the topic of you staying any further.
~~~
The old ranger’s cabin turns out to be a cheerful yellow home with a little porch hanging off one side with a chimney poking proudly up from the other. The thought of a working fireplace sends a thrill of excitement through you before you even step foot in the place. Deep down you know curling up in front of a cozy fire is something you love to do.
The front door leads directly to the small kitchen but there’s a working stove and a fridge already packed with meals both pre-made and not. A small vase of flowers sits on the little dining table, a housewarming gift from Sam’s fiancé Emily. Apparently she’s the one that’s been supplying you with baked goods and the fridge full of meals. A small bedroom and bathroom sit off the main living space and there’s a quilt sat folded neatly on the bed that you’re itching to get your hands on. It looks homemade and incredibly soft and cozy.
“It’s not much but the guys have gotten it cleaned and patched up for you. There shouldn’t be any issues with it, but if there are you’ll let me know and I can sort them out for you. Fridge and cabinets are stocked but if there’s anything in particular that you’re wanting we can get it from town. There isn’t any central heating but there’s plenty of wood chopped out back for a fire. If you run out just let me know and I can get you some more ready.” Paul leaned against the doorframe of the living area while you explored the porch. It faces the woods though there is what looks to be a well traveled path that cuts straight through.
“It’s perfect Paul, really. This is amazing. A lot more than I could have ever hoped.” You’re beaming up at him already feeling a lot better than you had on your way over. A matching smile stretches across Paul’s face and he reaches out to tug at the end of your braid gently when you get close enough to him.
“Just want you to be happy here Sunshine. I need to run a few errands in town with Sam and Jared but I’ll only be gone a few hours. Why don’t you take some time and get settled in. We’re going to a bonfire tonight if you’re feeling up to it, the rest of the gang are dying to meet you.” He leads you back inside taking care to close the door to the porch tightly to ward out any drafts.
“Okay, that sounds like fun. It’d be nice to get to know some people in town.” You’re hoping your voice doesn’t betray how nervous you are at the thought of being alone for the first time since the accident. Even after he’d gone in the hospital there had been a steady string of nurses coming in to check on you overnight, and you were asleep for most of the time anyway. Now it’s barely lunchtime and you’re trying your hardest not to panic at the notion of a few hours alone.
“Hey,” his voice startles you out of the spiral your mind was about to descend down. “I can stay if you’re scared. Sam and Jared will understand and it would be nothing to find someone to step in for me.”
”No, no go.” You protest though you’re wishing he’s going to do the opposite. “I’ll be okay really. I’m just a little nervous to be all alone again. The last time didn’t really work out too well for me if you remember.”
”Well thankfully there aren’t any cliffs in your backyard to fall down, and I’ll have you know that I will be very disappointed if I come back and find you’ve drowned yourself in the sink.” You laugh despite yourself at Paul’s teasing, punching him in the arm lightly with your good hand. He catches it easily and threads your fingers together squeezing reassuringly. “Besides, if it gets too bad and I’m still not back yet, just follow the path straight out from your porch. It’ll take you through the forest right to Sam and Emily’s. Em’s usually home this time of day and wouldn’t say no to some extra company.”
”Thank you.” You smile up at him, cheeks flushing a bit when you realize your fingers are still threaded through his. You’d held his hand plenty in the hospital, anchoring you to the present when things got too overwhelming, but here in the privacy of the cabin it feels oddly intimate.
“Nothing to thank me for, I just want you to know you’re not alone in this.” He releases your fingers with one final squeeze and takes a step back towards the door. “I’ll be back in a few hours to get you for the bonfire. Wear something warm, it gets chilly at night and remember what I said about the sink!”
A/N: thank you all so much for the support on the first part of this! I’m excited to continue working on this and seeing where it goes. I’d love to know your thoughts on this!
Chapter One
-
The first thing you register is steady pounding in your head, matching nearly perfectly with an incessant beeping. An overwhelming scent nearly burns your nose on each inhale, sharp, cold, and far too clean to be anything but what it is. The smell of a hospital.
Confusion swims in the forefront of your mind as you take stock of your body slowly. Pain, a low thrumming ache in your body centering mainly in your head and shoulders. You feel a dull ache in your left arm and a heavy weight to it that makes it difficult to move. Your eyes feel gritty, almost stuck together and it takes a minute to pry them open and blink against your bright surroundings.
The room you’re in is small, the walls painted a soothing sea foam color with a window on the wall opposite your bed. A small TV mounted to the wall plays daytime reruns of some old soap opera from the last decade.
Shifting your head on the thin pillow rewards you with the heavy wooden door leading to what you presume to be the rest of the hospital, and a small chair with a man that looks far too big to be comfortable in it. He’s all strong lines and hardened muscle from years of work or sports you’re not sure. His skin is a coppery tan that tells of a life spent in the sun. You think he’s asleep at first, eyes shut and arms crossed over a broad and muscled hoodie clad chest, until you let out an involuntary hiss of pain at twisting your neck so much.
His eyes snap open and he’s leaning towards the bed before he’s even fully awake. Worry spans his handsome face, creasing his forehead and tugging his lips downward. His dark hair looks like it had seen better days, poking out at odd angles.
“You’re awake.” He starts, reaching for you almost like he was afraid you’d disappear before he stops himself. “Are you alright? Does anything hurt? I can call the nurse.”
”Um, my neck? A little bit, and my head.” Your attempt to sit up is thwarted by his hands, huge and warm nudging you back to the pillows gently though he does help you prop upright a bit more. There’s a hard cast spanning the length of your arm from the elbow down. Something you hadn’t noticed since waking but must have come from whatever landed you in here. “I’m sorry, but where am I? Who are you?”
”My name is Paul, I saw you fall and pulled you out of the ocean. My friends and I brought you here to get help. We’re at Forks General Hospital.” His look of worry morphs into a deeper one when you just stare blankly back at him.
Forks, you were in a hospital in Forks. A nagging voice in the back of your mind tells you that you should know where that’s at and why you were in the ocean to start with, but attempting to remember anything was like trying to cup water in your hands. You’re saved from responding by the door swinging open and a kind older woman entering carrying what looked like a large cup of ice water. You’re reminded of the scratchy burn in your throat almost immediately and eye her excitedly as she approaches.
“Well! It’s good to see you awake and alert sweetheart. You gave everyone quite the scare it seems.” The little tag on her purple scrubs reads Linda and the small puppy sticker next to it pulls a small smile out of you.
“Did I? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” You eagerly take the cup from Nurse Linda and gulp down a few mouthfuls before continuing to speak. “I don’t really remember what happened. You said I fell into the ocean?”
Nurse Linda and Paul share a glance accompanied by Paul shaking his head at an unspoken question. She smiles placatingly at you once more and promises to be back shortly with the doctor before hurrying out of the room.
“Did I say something wrong?” Panic is beginning to wedge its way in your chest, worry and stress forming what feels like a knot in the center. Your heart rate on the monitor rises in accordance, the steady beeps coming faster with each breath.
“Hey, it’s okay. You’re alright, there’s nothing to worry about.” Paul seems to abandon his reservations towards touching you and offers you a large hand, palm up and open. You latch onto it as if it’s second nature to do so. His fingers eclipse your smaller ones and his thumb rubs soothing circles on the soft skin of the back of your palm.
“But I should be able to remember!” Your voice breaks pitifully as it dawns on you that you don’t remember anything.
Try as you might you can’t recall the faces of your family, the people in your life that you should know in an instant. There's nothing where they should be except for a gaping void empty and desolate. The only thing you’re able to recall is Paul, hovering worriedly over you on the shore having just revived you. Then nothing.
“I’m sure it’ll come to you, please don’t cry.” He looked pained to see the hot tears welling in the corner of your eyes. His hand in yours squeezed gently, only relenting when your own tightened against his in answer. “Why don’t we start with something easy, yeah? How about your name? It doesn’t seem fair you get to know mine but I don’t know yours.”
You know he’s teasing, can hear the smile that wants to break free in his voice but it has the opposite effect on you. The tears bubble up and spill over, racing over your cheeks and down your wobbly chin.
“I don’t, I don’t know!” You cry pulling your hand out of his to bury your face in them as sobs wrack your overtaxed body.
Paul makes a wounded noise above you, shifting uncomfortably in his chair for a moment as if he’s unsure of what to do next. He settles on stroking your back, slow circles you can tell are supposed to be soothing but only make it obvious that he doesn’t have much practice in comforting someone.
“That’s okay, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you upset.” His free hand tucks small strands of hair that have escaped your once neat braid behind your ear, smoothing them back from your damp skin. “You don’t have to know right now, we can figure it out later I promise.”
The door swings back open before you can reply, two sets of footsteps entering the room, Nurse Linda and the doctor you’re guessing. It isn’t until you pull your hands back, wiping stray tears away that you confirm it. Nurse Linda’s standing off to the side, wide eyes staring down at you with pity. The doctor is a tall man, so pale it’s almost concerning with bright blonde hair and kind golden eyes.
“Hello, I’m Dr. Cullen. I understand you’re having some trouble remembering things following your fall?” His voice is quiet, almost melodic and hesitant in a way that tells you he’s worried about sending you back into hysterics.
“I don’t remember anything before Paul saved me.” You confirm, the image of him hovering over you, his face twisted in worry and panic, the only thing you can recall with any kind of certainty. “Is that bad?”
“Amnesia isn’t entirely unheard of when it comes to incidents similar to yours, though it is an unfortunately under researched phenomenon. Every test that we’ve run has come back clear, there are no signs of concussion or internal bleeding. You got incredibly lucky all things considered. Memory issues aside, you sustained a broken arm at some point in your fall. We’d like to keep you overnight for observation, and we’re hoping that a search of the area turns up with something that will help us to identify you in the meantime.” The influx of information feels almost overwhelming to your rattled brain and you only catch about half of it.
Dr. Cullen does a few more routine examinations and asks you a couple surface level questions to try and jog your memory but to no avail. Through it all Paul sits tense in the corner of the room, eyes tracking all of the doctor’s movements and seems to only breathe once he takes a step away from your bed.
“We’ll leave you to rest now sweetheart, don’t stress about anything we’ll help you figure it all out.” Nurse Linda smoothes your blankets out over your legs and checks to make sure your water cup is still full before following the doctor out of the room.
“She means it, you know. Don’t get yourself all worked up again about not remembering. We’ll figure out how to help you.” Paul’s voice is low and rumbly, smoothing the sharp edges of stress that had begun to creep in.
“I’m sorry to have taken up so much of your time today. You saved my life and now I’m monopolizing your day.” You try to joke, smiling weakly at him. “I’m sure you’ve got better things to be doing than babysitting a girl who doesn’t even know who she is.”
“I don’t. And if I did it wouldn’t matter. I’m not leaving you here alone.” His voice is stern, leaving no room for you to argue.
“But you don’t even know me. We’re strangers.” You try to protest anyway, not missing the way he rolls his eyes at the stubborn jut of your chin.
“It doesn’t matter. Until you tell me to leave I’m not going anywhere. Now try to get some rest, and don’t tell me you’re not tired. I can see the way your eyes are drooping.” You let him settle you more comfortably in the bed, smiling softly at him when he fusses with the blankets that had just been fixed.
“You’ll really stay?” You whisper into the darkness of the room when Paul kills the overhead lights.
“I won’t move a muscle. If you’re good I might even bring you some jello from the cafeteria when you wake up. I hear it’s to die for.” His teasing grin is the last thing you see before exhaustion pulls you under.
Summary: Paul Lahote’s life since becoming a werewolf has been nothing short of exciting. Rogue vampires, newfound powers, and an unshakeable brotherhood should have been enough to keep him occupied for however long his extended mortality allows. It would have been enough until he rescues a drowning human and imprints after saving her life. Throw in a case of amnesia to complicate matters further and suddenly Paul’s unsure of if he’ll ever know peace again.
Chapter One
There’s a common thought that death is peaceful. That it is the slow transition from living to something else. Something beyond comprehension. To you death was hectic. It was loud and cold and suffocating each time the waves pulled your struggling body under. One misstep, a mistake, a fault in something you’d been doing since you learned how to walk sent you slipping over the edge of the cliff into the inky depths below. Your last conscious thought as the fight seeps out of your very bones is how pretty the sun looks shining through the sea that’s claiming you as its own.
At least it should be. That should have been it, the ending to the story of your life that was only eighteen chapters long. There shouldn’t have been an epilogue, not even an author's note because in the grand scheme of things how important could one death out of thousands in a day really be. You’d been traveling alone and had a limited amount of family left to realize when you hadn’t called home in a while.
Instead rough hands claimed you, tugged you from what would have served as your eternal resting place. Fingers too frantic to truly be gentle pried your clenched jaws apart and warm lips crushed against yours in attempt after attempt to breathe life back into your cold body. Crushing pressure on your chest forced salty seawater up up up and out of your body in sputtering coughs and choking gasps.
”That’s it, breathe. Breathe dammit!” A gruff voice encouraged you, sounding impossibly close and far away at the same time. You began to rock and idly your brain wondered if this was all a hallucination, a fabrication of your mind seeking salvation in its last moments. Until suddenly a well placed compression seemed to jolt the last of the water from your lungs and shock your system into rebooting.
Your lungs burned, screaming from too long without oxygen and the salt in the water. Your hand jolted out and met warm flesh, an arm or a leg you’re not too sure. Only aware of the warmth burning into your frozen skin and the edge of clothing just barely enough to cling to.
You saw the sky first, far too bright and cheery for the catastrophe it was bearing witness to down below. Then a dark shape hovered over you, blocking your limited view of the same sun you’d accepted as the last memory from your time on Earth. It was instinct to protest, to attempt to push the darkness away, but it seemed your body wasn’t listening to the commands your brain delivered. Its sole focus was to breathe around the shivers that shook your body and the rasping coughs you couldn’t help but let out.
“Hey, hey! Can you hear me? Help’s coming, just stay awake. Come on kid talk to me here.” The darkness seemed to bleed from the figure above you, spreading and blurring the edges of your vision despite its demand that you stay awake.
You lock eyes with your savior for only a moment, a single heartbeat where depthless brown eyes bore down into yours. There’s a beat, then another when everything is still and the two of you are all that exist anymore before the darkness surges forward again and drags you back under. “No, no keep your eyes open. Sam, how much longer? Sam, SAM!”
A/N: I was reading today at work and came across the words about safety that inspired this and decided that Cassian was the perfect bat boy for the job. Hope you enjoy as always!!
Trigger Warnings: Attempted assault/mugging. Being chased and cornered by a stranger. Nothing too graphic but something to consider. If you feel like this is something that may trigger you its okay to scroll away. There’s always going to be next time to read <3
~~
Stupid, stupid, stupid! You couldn’t help but curse yourself as you raced down a darkened alley. Your eyes were constantly scanning the area for a place to hide, somewhere small and unassuming. Somewhere you would be tucked away neatly and out of danger. Your efforts were fruitless as the alley opened up to an even darker and murkier street. Fog was starting to gather at the edges, swirling around your ankles and doing very little to hide you in your attempt to flee. If you strained your ears you could hear over the sound of your panicked breathing the sound of your would be attacker’s footsteps. You couldn’t tell how many there were, only that there was definitely more than one.
Regret was all you could feel past the sharp pangs of panic and fear. Regret at staying in your shop so late. Regret at declining Feyre and Rhysand’s offer to walk you to the home you shared with your mate. Regret at turning down all the offers to join your family early in the mornings at training. Maybe if you’d actually shown up ready to participate you would stand a chance right now.
Growing up your mother had called you her gentle soul, you hadn’t had an ounce of fight in your bones from the start. Attempts to pick on you on playgrounds had ended in you trying to befriend your bullies instead of fighting back at their cruel taunts. It was ironic considering who the Mother had selected to be your fated mate. Almost your complete opposite. Hard where you were soft, tough where you were gentle. Fleetingly you wished that the pair of you had had more time together, the past few months had been nothing short of perfect. It was cruel to think that this was how it would end, sure that whatever lay at the end of this interaction couldn’t possibly end with you in one piece.
A panicked cry almost forced its way past your clenched teeth as your path was suddenly blocked by a dead end. The thought of attempting to climb the wall proved pointless as your hands scrabbled for purchase and came up empty save for slightly damp from gathering dew. You couldn’t tell what part of Velaris you were even in anymore. The wrong turns you’d taken in an attempt to lose your unwanted company had only served to confuse you more.
”Well, well, well. Finally corner yourself dear? It’s almost a shame, we were enjoying the chase.” The fae standing mere yards away from you was tall. Corded muscles bulging at every opportunity. His gait was slow now, toying with you like it was half the fun. He was alone now, but you weren’t dumb enough to assume you’d lost his friends. Surely they were hiding until it was their turn.
“Leave- Leave me alone.” You try to sound stern, like you meant business. Like there was more than your soft leather bound journal and a few extra yards of fabric in the bag at your side.
“Or what? You’ll run again? I’m afraid I’ve got you cornered. Right. Where. I. Want. You.” Each word was punctuated with a step closer. He was close enough you could smell the stale smoke and alcohol that clung to him like cologne. ”Nobody can save you-“
Darkness flooded your vision suddenly, the male in front of you crying out in a mixture of rage and pain though you never got to see exactly what happened to him. There was a strong back and a set of large Illyrian wings stretched protectively in front of you. It took a moment, two or three heartbeats to realize that you had been saved. That out of nowhere salvation came in the form of your mate and your family that was no doubt close behind.
Your knees give out beneath you, but your delicate skin never meets the rough cobblestone street. Muscled arms catch you around the waist and crush you into a chest that you’re slowly becoming more and more familiar with. A broken sob rattles out of your chest and you bury your face in his tunic, hands bunching in the fabric at his sides. You’re confused and scared and overwhelmed, your heartbeat still roaring in your ears, but he’s here. Your mate is here.
”Cassian-“ You choke out struggling for a moment against his hold in a delayed fight or flight reaction before he reels you back into the safety of him.
“It’s okay sweetheart, I’m here. I’ve got you. You’re safe now.” Reassurances are pressed fiercely into your temple. His lips are a little chapped and scratch at your skin lightly with each kiss.
”How? How did you find me?” His wings are wrapped around you now, overlapping and forming a pseudo shield of privacy. Distantly your mind is aware of the fact that Cassian hadn’t been in town for a few days. He’d been away in the mountains at the camps and hadn’t been expected to return until early morning.
“You called me sweetheart. Shh, yes you did. You called for me in here.” There’s a gentle tug at the bond in your chest that settles your confused protest. The bond was still new enough to feel both foreign where it sits next to your heart and like there wasn’t ever any room for anything else at the same time. “You felt unsafe and called me. You called for me because you wanted to feel safe.”
His words break your final thread of resolve, collapsing into Cassian’s arms fully as sobs wrack your body. Trusting Cassian to keep you safe was a decision that was as easily made as breathing is. What little survival instincts lie in you are finally receding enough for the crippling shock of fear and relief to almost drown you. In a moment your legs are swept out from beneath you and his wings untangle themselves to propel the two of you into the air instead. He leaves your attackers cowering in the mouth of the alley trusting that his family, now yours too, will do whatever is necessary to protect their own. He has something much more precious to care for right now.
This is an un-proofed thought that has been living in my mind for the past few days. I hope you enjoy it!
Warnings: Small mention of injury though it’s not very graphic. Mentions of blood and the fear of death. Nothing too heavy imo but read at your own risk and take care of yourself! If this is too much you can always catch me on the next one :)
~~
“Oh no-“ Your miserable moan broke through your lips before you could do much to stop it at the sight of your mangled leg. You knew that it was bad, rationally there was no way an injury like this would be something you walked off. In fact your attempt at walking it off ended in you crumpled on the snowy forest floor biting your lip so hard it bled to keep your cries silent.
“What did I tell you, look at me don’t look at it sweetheart. We’re getting close to the boundary and from there I can get you help, but I need you to stay awake for me.” Cassian’s demand was almost panicked sounding, a clue for you to know just how serious your predicament was.
The pair of you had been sent to scout out a group of rogue fae that had posed a threat to a small border town on the Night and Winter line. The trip was mostly a success, you managed to get enough intel and an idea of just where their camp lie before a misplaced step triggered a rudimentary trap they’d laid on the outskirts of their camp. In an instant your leg had been encased in a metal contraption that was laced with what Cassian believed to be faebane. The prongs of the trap had bullied their way past the leathers and the tall boots you’d worn and deep into your flesh. Cassian had been there in an instant to rescue you but there was little that could be done once he’d freed you from the trap.
For nearly an hour the fae had scouted you both, following the trail of your blood and mixed scents no doubt until Cassian had enough clearance to take to the skies. It had seemed like a plan that would see the pair of you to safety until a snowstorm brewed up that was strong enough to eliminate any kind of visibility. Had the faebane not been coursing through your veins you would have been able to winnow you both back to Velaris, but the poison that was travelling rapidly through your body left you little strength past staying conscious.
“I don’t want to die Cassian,” you huffed pitifully, your sweaty forehead pressed into the warmth of his neck. “Hurts.”
”I know it hurts but we’re almost there. I’m sure Az and Rhys are waiting for us now, between the three of us we’ll fix you up good as new.” Cassian’s chin props on the crown of your head for a moment, all the comfort he’s able to give you while still on high alert. “Besides, you still owe me twenty gold marks from last week’s card game. You can’t die before paying up.”
You let out an attempt at a laugh, remembering the night Cassian had crushed your whole family at cards. Mor had been sure he was cheating and it took Azriel’s shadows investigating to convince her he’d just been incredibly lucky. Your sluggish mind searched at the sound of your mate’s name for the golden thread that usually sat snug in your chest. The poison from your wounds must have dampened your side of the bond, causing it to sit as limp in your chest as your head was on Cassian’s.
“Can’t feel him anymore. What if he thinks I’m dead?” Your lips turn down at the thought of your mate’s anguish at the darkened bond. The last time it had felt so wrong was when he almost died from the bolt in his chest courtesy of Hybern.
“He knows you’re not dead sweetheart, look he’s come to find you.” Cassian’s shoulder jostled you a bit as you looked in the direction he was heading for. Azriel seemed to step out of the shadows, appearing in the blink of an eye. He looked more severe than you had seen him look in years, heading directly for you and Cassian like he could do much more than had already been done.
“Az,” you rasp, eyes wide as you stare up at your mate, “you came for us.”
”Of course I did angel, how are you feeling?” His scarred hands gently brushed tangled strands of hair off your forehead. You hummed quietly, leaning into their warmth not unlike a cat stretching into rays of sunlight.
“Think the faebane is getting to her. Said she can’t feel the bond or touch any of her power.” Cassian’s short diagnosis sends Azriel’s brows pinching in the middle. He coos down at you softly, thumb brushing your cheek one last time before he pulls away.
“Give her to me Cas, I’ll get her straight to Madja’s while you go with Rhys.” At the mention of your High Lord’s name you seem to perk up for a moment like you’d forgotten he was even there.
“We found the camp Rhys,” you focused hard on his face as Cassian did his best to hand you over to Azriel without causing you further pain. “They had a bunch of rocks, glowing in wooden swords and shields. Tried to sneak in and steal one but they got me.”
”That’s alright, we’ll figure it out another way. Get her home, brother.” Rhysand squeezed your shoulder gently on his way to Cassian’s side, already preparing to winnow the both of them the few hundred miles it took to get back to Velaris.
“Hold on tight to me Angel.” Azriel’s command was quiet in your ear, but had your hands gripping reflexively onto the fabric of his collar and chest.
“Couldn’t feel you, thought you were gone.” Your vision was beginning to gray out at the edges, whether it was from the effects of the poison or the shadows that were beginning to swarm the both of you you weren’t sure.
“You could never go somewhere I wouldn’t follow, no matter the cost.” On a normal day a declaration of that magnitude would send you into a fit of rosy cheeks and giddy squeals. Today it was all your tired mind could do to smile as your head was tucked more securely in his neck. “Rest love, you’re safe with me.”
