Requite | Chapter 9
Word Count: 3.4K
Summary: When everything seems to fall into place in Forks, Washington, a string of mysterious deaths call the attention of both vampires and werewolves in town. As the redheaded vampire returns with her mind set on revenge, (Y/N) and Bella Swan find themselves in the center of danger once again. With secrets still lingering between them about their past best friend, they will find themselves stuck in a whirlwind of love, betrayal, and the hardest choices they’ll have to make. But one thing is certain: no one will go a day without a taste for vengeance.
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Her heart hammered against her chest as (Y/N) took steadying breaths. It was simply prom, she kept repeating. It's Paul on the other side of the door, she reminded herself. There was no need to be nervous. There were no expectations, no grievances, no fights to fights. She was simply a normal girl going to her boyfriend's senior prom.
“Take a breath, (Y/N),” she whispered to herself. “It's all okay.”
Looking in the mirror once more, the girl smiled. Her hand gripped the doorknob, the coldness of the metal sending a shiver through her body. But before she could turn it, the handle gave way on its own, and the door swung open, startling her backward before it could hit her.
“Oh, sorry,” Paul scrambled before he could see her. “I just couldn't wait any longer and...”
Anything he wanted to say after died in his throat as his eyes finally landed on (Y/N). He found himself stuck in place, truly in awe of her beauty. His hands shook and his breath became uneven, but for the first time in a long time, it wasn't out of anger. “You look...,” he said softly, taking her hands in his gently, as though she would break. “You look absolutely gorgeous, (Y/N). You... wow. Just wow.”
“Well, you clean up nicely yourself,” (Y/N) smiled as she took Paul's extended hand. He was in a tailored black suit and red tie. The outfit was simple, not that anyone would expect the hot-headed wolf to be much into fashion. But he’d adorned the tie with a silver wolf head pin, which felt cold under the girl's finger. She traced the figure with a smile, feeling moved by the tiny nod to his pack. “You look very handsome, Paul.”
“I do, don't I?” he jokingly boasted. “And I can't wait to show up with the hottest date on my arm.”
“I'd like to think you're not with me just for my looks.”
“I guess not just your looks,” he teased. His laughter was loud as he easily dodged (Y/N)'s playful slap on the arm. He took the moment to pull her closer, softly kissing her crimson-painted lips. “You know I fell for you long before I even saw your face.”
“You’re cheesy today,” she chuckled, melting into his gentle embrace.
“Days like these bring it out of me.”
“Prom, you mean?” (Y/N) laughed. “The same prom you didn’t care about weeks ago?”
Paul joined her in her laughter, hugging her closely as though she were a figment of his imagination. “Days when it's just you and me,” he whispered. “We haven't been able to see each other as much since we've doubled patrols. I've missed you.”
“We talk every day,” she smiled. “And even if Victoria wasn't around, we would still have finals.”
“Who cares about that?”
“School's important, Paul,” (Y/N) scolded him playfully. “Just because you're graduating, doesn't mean the work stops there.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” the boy scoffed jokingly. “Let's just get through prom first, huh? I'm sure Jared and Kim want to go already.”
“Fine, let's go.”
Hand in hand, the young couple walked toward the living room. There, Sam and Emily stood like proud parents, smiling proudly at the couples in front of them. Kim was dressed in a lilac dress with flowers outlined by a darker purple, while Jared put on a gray suit with a lilac tie. They were focused on each other, fiddling with the corsage and boutonniere they had gotten each other, as Embry helped take pictures of them.
“Well, look at you two,” Sam announced as Paul and (Y/N) joined them. “You guys look great.”
“Thank you, Sam,” the girl said, feeling heat rising on the back of her neck. “It's all thanks to Emily, really. I wouldn't have been able to do this on my own.”
“I didn't have to do much,” Emily chuckled. “I already had a perfect canvas to begin with.”
“Hey, you two, stop hitting on my girlfriend,” Paul pouted as the couple laughed. He moved toward the kitchen, where he had a box with flowers, before pulling (Y/N) away to place the corsage of white roses on her wrist. “I went with Emily to get them. I thought they would match the best.”
“It's beautiful,” (Y/N) smiled while pinning the flower onto the lapel of his suit. “You made the perfect choice.”
“I did, didn't I?” Paul said, his eyes focused solely on the girl in front of him.
The flashes of a camera were not enough to break his gaze. To him, there was truly no one else in that room. Not when (Y/N) was the best view he could have. He focused on the way the tip of her tongue stuck out of her mouth as she maneuvered with the pin, memorizing the furrow of her eyebrows while she concentrated. Those were the moments that seemed to stick in his head. Every fight, every argument, every ounce of anger he'd ever had dissipated the moment he was able to simply be with her. He even feared the chance of doing everything all over again. How could he be sure his decisions would lead him back to that very second?
“Man, you guys look straight out of a magazine,” Jared boasted, breaking the couple out of their bubble. “You trying to dethrone us as the best couple at the dance?”
“Oh, please, there's enough room for all of us at the top,” Kim chuckled at her boyfriend before turning to the other girl. “It's nice to finally meet you, (Y/N). You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. You look amazing as well,” (Y/N) responded, feeling nervous as she shook Kim's hand—that came with the territory of being a Swan. Meeting new people was always hard for her, even if she was the best at it in her family.
“Well, get together, guys,” Emily called. “It's time for the barrage of pictures.”
Twenty minutes later, and the kids felt their faces were gonna remain stiff for the rest of their lives from smiling. If it wasn't Emily, it would be Embry taking pictures, and if it wasn't him, then it would be Bella. The two couples never knew where to look. All they could do was smile and hope it was all over soon.
Once they were satisfied with the amount of pictures taken, Bella, Emilly, and Sam saw the kids off. They followed them to their cars, showering them with phrases reserved for their parents. While the alpha and his fiancée made sure Jared and Kim were good to go, Bella was stuck to Paul's window like glue.
“Make sure you take care of her,” she scolded. “I know how these things go, okay? No alcohol, staying out too late, and no funny business.”
Paul's face grew bright red as he kept his stare firmly on the steering wheel, nodding at everything Bella said while (Y/N) tried her best to stifle her laughter. “Of course,” he coughed out. “I already spoke to Mr. Swan, and he agreed to a one in the morning curfew. I promise nothing will happen to (Y/N) while she is with me.”
“I'll hold you to that, Paul.”
“Leave him alone, Bells,” (Y/N) chuckled. “We'll be fine.”
“Just be thankful it's me and not dad with his shotgun talking to you,” the older Swan grinned. “Not that I would hesitate to get it if anything does happen.”
“Bella!” (Y/N) exclaimed as Paul choked. “Leave him alone already!”
“Fine,” the girl laughed, finally taking a step back from the truck. “Just be careful, you two.”
“We will, mom,” the younger girl teased. “You take care of my baby, though. I don't wanna see any dents on my van when I get back.
“And here I was thinking you were talking about Paul.”
“He can take care of himself,” (Y/N) smiled, swallowing a laugh when he flinched as she threaded her fingers through his. “Just be careful getting home.”
“Yeah, you too,” she said. “Have fun.”
It wasn't until Bella disappeared from the rearview mirror that Paul let out the breath he was holding. (Y/N) couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled in her throat, watching as the boy beside her finally calmed and allowed himself to relax. “You know,” the girl snickered, “Bella’s not that scary.”
“She’s a direct connection to your dad,” he said. “She’s terrifying.”
“Oh, you mean Mr. Swan?” she laughed. “It’s hilarious to see you scrambling like that.”
“I’m glad my pain is hilarious to you,” Paul pouted. “At least you’re happy.”
“I am,” she grinned before placing a kiss on the back of his hand.
The ride to the school wasn’t long. And before she knew it, (Y/N) and Paul were joining Kim and Jared at the entrance of the school. Kids streamed inside, filling the air with loud chatter and happiness. Everyone was excited. Senior students could feel freedom from high school breathing down their necks, so close they could taste it. Much like in Forks, she could feel their carefree spirit and the thrill of anticipation vibrating in the air.
But the more people they passed, the more self-conscious (Y/N) became. Kim and Jared walked inside, continuing the flow of the other students. Yet, as Paul went to follow, the girl’s grip on his hand stopped him. She was frozen in place, her stare a million miles away. Growing tears made her eyes shimmer under the lights, her lower lip trembling as though fear was taking over her.
“Hey, hey, what’s wrong?” Paul cooed, cradling her cheeks tenderly. “Why are you crying?”
The girl reached for her back, tracing the scars she could reach. For the first time since she had tried on the dress, she realized just how exposed her back was. The realization was overwhelming, and it had slapped her across the face far too late. “What are they gonna think?” she whispered sheepishly. “Most of the marks are gone, but the scars that stayed…”
“Who cares what they think, pretty girl?” he said, with a smile so gentle it melted her worries away. “I can already tell you, you’re the most beautiful girl in the world. And if anyone says anything about the scars, then I'll give them a few of their own. Don’t let that ruin your night, (Y/N).”
“Paul...”
“What?” the boy grinned teasingly. “I've been itching for a fight. But I promise I'll use human strength.”
“Yeah, I'd be more worried about you turning into a massive canine in the middle of the school gym,” she chuckled, finally feeling her spirits lifting. “Don't think Sam will let you out of the house again if something happens.”
“Fine, I won't fight,” Paul smiled, wiping away the stray tear that dared to fall. “But if you feel too uncomfortable, I can give you my jacket. Or we can just go. It's not like any of them deserve to see you, regardless.”
“Alright then,” (Y/N) beamed. “Let's go inside.”
An hour in, and all worries were gone out the window. No one asked about the scars on her back. Instead, Paul's friends hounded him for abandoning them. They asked (Y/N) how she could stand someone with such a sour attitude and teased him about how she could have done so much better. Their comments had made her laugh, especially seeing the way Paul tried to keep his nonchalant persona even though she knew how much it bothered him. His friends made her feel welcome in a place she definitely stood out—not only was she the only person who didn't go to the school, she was the only one who didn't even live on the rez. They made her feel comfortable. She felt happy. Whatever was waiting for them tomorrow could wait. She could allow herself to enjoy the moment.
At first, a couple of Paul's friends asked her to join them on the dance floor. The music was loud and energetic, and the boy wasn't really the type to drop some moves. When she'd agreed, they laughed at Paul's huff of annoyance, pointing out every few seconds that his eyes had not left them for a moment. From their table, he watched cautiously, making sure no one made a move (Y/N) wouldn't be comfortable with. Even when Jared walked over to talk to him, his gaze never broke.
It wasn't until Kai helped keep her steady after an unfortunate slip that Paul finally joined them. His glare was threatening, his chest heaving slightly as his nose flared. But unlike his usual explosiveness, he was in control of himself. He allowed his friend to help, thanking him with a clenched jaw, before taking (Y/N) into his arms. They teased him subsequently, saying he was whipped and overdramatic. And he let them. All he cared about was that she was okay.
As though it had been planned, the next song that played was a slow song. A lot of the teens on the floor used the moment to rest, allowing the couples a moment with each other. With shaky hands, Paul took hold of (Y/N)'s waist, pulling her as close as he could. They had been together for months, but he felt that moment was the most intimate they shared.
With a smile, (Y/N) crossed her arms around Paul's chest, closing the distance he'd left between them. His heart beat loudly against his chest, drowning the music they swayed to. There were words bubbling in his throat, but he was too afraid to say them. They had been clawing at his vocal cords for months, looking for a way out. Yet, fear drowned them, forcing them to remain a thought in his head rather than a statement he said out loud. The words were powerful, too important to ever be taken back. Paul had seen how much pain three words could cause. He was the aftermath of what happened when those words lost their weight. He'd lived firsthand what happened when those words were said but not meant.
He was scared of saying them. Of saying them and having (Y/N) regret them. He was terrified of what could happen if he said them and she didn't say them back. Even worse if he said them and one day she didn't feel the same.
“Hey, what's wrong?” His focus snapped back to her, her smile calming the storm that was brewing inside him. He leaned into the hand she rested on his cheek, smiling back at her. “Where did you go?”
“I'm right here,” he whispered, placing a kiss on her hand. “I was just thinking.”
“What? Thinking about your other girlfriends?”
“Don't say that,” he mumbled. “Don't even think it.”
“I'm just joking,” (Y/N) chuckled. “I know you wouldn't do that.”
“Yeah, I was thinking of something else.”
“Well, you know,” she grinned, “so was I.”
“Yeah?” Paul asked. “What's that?”
The hand she'd placed on his cheek moved to his chin, pulling his head down. “I was thinking,” she whispered in his ear, “about how much I love you.”
“W-what?”
“I love you, Paul Lahote.”
The boy felt his heart stop in that moment. He wanted to commit to memory the scene before him. The way the lights glimmered against (Y/N)'s skin, the bright smile on her face, and the glimmer in her eyes. He never wanted to forget that moment.
“Did you hear me?” she asked after his moment of silence. “I said...”
Her words died in her mouth as Paul crashed his lips onto hers. He kissed her like it was the first time he'd ever tasted her, pulling her as close as he possibly could. The boy didn't care about the hollers from his friends or the stares from people around them. All he could focus on was (Y/N) and the words she had stolen right out of his own mouth.
She was braver than him in that sense. For some time, she had stopped being afraid of the big feelings. (Y/N) understood their power, and she had lived through their destruction, but she had stopped being afraid. "Hey,” she broke the kiss, breathless and chuckling, “you haven't said it back. I guess I'll just go then.”
(Y/N) turned to leave, a big smile tugging at her lips. Paul was quick to grab her wrist and pull her back to him, placing another kiss on her lips. “I love you,” he said, accentuating every word with a kiss. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”
She laughed as he raised her off the ground and spun her around, forcing her arms to wrap tightly around his neck. That was what (Y/N) had been waiting for. A night full of normal. A moment she could share with Paul that didn't stink of vampires, werewolves, or stupid vendettas. Just two kids falling in love, uncertain of what the future could bring but focused on the present.
“I can't believe you beat me to it,” Paul chuckled. “It's like you read my mind when you said it.”
“Is that what you were thinking about?” she smiled. “You know, you don't have to be scared of saying how you feel—not anymore.”
“I'll get better at that,” he said. “One day, at least.”
“Tonight's a start, then,” (Y/N) assured before pecking his lips. “Just promise you'll never stop saying you love me.”
“The day I stop is the day I die,” he muttered. “I love you, (Y/N). And I always will.”
Before she could say anything, a loud crash brought everyone to a halt. Everyone turned toward the sound, but it was clear it had come from outside. Paul pulled (Y/N) in, his nose picking up on something no one else would be able to. “Leech,” he whispered. When his eyes met Jared, he confirmed the boy's suspicions. Someone had crossed the border, and it most likely was Victoria.
Suddenly, the doors to the gym swung open, and Jacob ran in, heading directly to where Paul and Jared stood with their dates. “We need reinforcements,” he said, slightly out of breath. “We lost her as we were reaching the school, and we're almost certain she's inside.”
“Victoria's h-here right now?” (Y/N) stammered. “H-how?”
“Seth and Leah are still too new, and their stamina is not as strong,” he said. “You need to get (Y/N) out of here, now.”
As much as he wanted to argue, Paul knew it wasn't the time to fight with Jacob. He was doing the right thing for once, and his priority had to be (Y/N)'s safety. When the music started again and the students turned their attention to anything else, he led the younger Swan out of the gym. At least they'd had three hours of being normal that night.
The hallway felt cold as they walked out, and (Y/N) clung to Paul like a life raft. Her veins had frozen, and her limbs shivered under the weight of her fear. She had let her guard down. She believed she was allowed at least one night to simply be, but she had to have known life never worked out in that way. Victoria wanted her dead, and she had to believe the vampire would be anywhere she went.
As they walked, a sudden breeze blew past them, making Paul hold the girl even tighter against him. “She's here,” he said through gritted teeth. “And I can't shift inside. I need to get you out of here.”
“If she’s here right now, how are we supposed to make it outside?”
“You guys go first,” Jake said, surprising the couple. “I’ll try to chase her down in here.”
In their hesitation, another gust of red wind passed by them. (Y/N) winced as she felt something sting her arm one second, and the next her hand flew up to her skin to feel blood rushing out. “She’s taunting us,” she croaked. “But this is not her battleground.”
“You’re so right, little Swan,” Victoria smirked from the chill entrance. She was all the way down the hallway, licking the blood off her fingernail as Jacob and Paul stepped in front of (Y/N). There wasn’t much they could do in their human form, and she knew that. “You boys are so serious. I’m just having a little fun.”
In the blink of an eye, Victoria left her position at the end of the hall and reappeared a few feet behind them, (Y/N) locked between her arms. She grabbed the girl tightly by the neck, crushing her against her body. “There’s nothing you little pups can do,” she grinned as Paul growled. “But don’t worry. I’m not killing my little plaything tonight.”
A/N: i was gonna post this earlier this weeks but I've been dealing with migraines and horrible backpain, but I was able to finish the next chapter for y'all's favorite couple. hope you enjoyed! ❤️ If you’d like to be tagged in this or any other story: click here Make sure you have my notifications on so you know every time I post!
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