the moment they realize they’d do anything for you
fandom: twilight (quileute pack)
characters: sam uley, jared cameron, paul lahote, jacob black, quil ateara, embry call, leah clearwater, seth clearwater
tags/warnings: devotion themes, protective behavior, emotional intensity, imprint dynamics, soft moments, realization of love, deep attachment, hurt/comfort undertones, mentions of arguments, mentions of panic/worry, quiet intimacy, pack dynamics, romantic tension
Sam Uley
For Sam, the moment isn’t loud, it’s quiet. It’s late, the rain coming down soft and steady outside the cabin. You’ve fallen asleep on the couch, a blanket slipping off your shoulder. He’s across the room when he looks up and sees you, really sees you. Not as his imprint, not as someone he’s meant to protect, but as the center of his world.
And it hits him, this bone-deep truth that he would burn down everything if it meant keeping you safe.
He walks over, kneels by the couch, and carefully tucks the blanket back around you. His hand lingers, brushing a strand of hair from your face.
There’s a faint smile on his lips, the kind that holds more pain than joy, because it scares him, how much he feels.
“You have no idea,” he whispers, voice rough.
He thinks about the way you look at him, not as a leader, not as someone broken by guilt, but as Sam. Just Sam.
And in that moment, he knows he’d do anything. Stand against the pack. Walk away from everything he’s built. Anything, if it meant you’d never cry because of him again.
It’s not about obsession for Sam, it’s about surrender. The quiet kind that reshapes a man from the inside out.
︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶ ୨୧ ︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶
Jared Cameron
For Jared, it happens in the most ordinary way possible, you’re sitting cross-legged on the porch, a cup of coffee in hand, laughing at something he said. There’s no big moment, no danger, no fight, just you, sunlight on your skin, your laugh mixing with the sound of the ocean.
And then it hits him.
He’s done for. Completely, hopelessly.
His grin falters for half a second, eyes softening as he just stares. You don’t even notice, you’re still talking, still alive in the moment.
His heart does this strange flip, half warmth, half ache.
“You good?” you ask, smiling at him, and he just shakes his head a little, that dimple showing. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m great.”
But inside, something shifts. The thought settles in deep: I’d do anything for her. Not because of the imprint, because of you.
Later that night, when you’re curled up in his hoodie, asleep on his chest, he whispers it aloud. “Anything. You just say the word.”
For Jared, love isn’t a vow, it’s an instinct. It’s already written in his pulse, in the way he moves closer when you sigh, in the way he’d throw himself between you and the world without a second thought.
︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶ ୨୧ ︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶
Paul Lahote
Paul’s realization is raw, like a punch to the chest. It happens after an argument, voices raised, emotions snapping like wire. You’d stormed off, and he’d let you, but the second you were out of sight, something broke inside him.
He’s pacing, furious at himself for letting it get that far, and then the thought comes, sharp and terrifying: I can’t lose her. Not her.
The anger fades into panic, his hands trembling slightly. He doesn’t even realize he’s shifting until his chest tightens, the wolf part of him clawing at the edges.
He finds you by the cliffs, sitting with your knees to your chest, eyes red.
When you look up, ready to argue again, he just shakes his head and says, “Don’t. Please.” His voice is low, breaking. “I can’t do this without you.”
You blink at him, confused by the rawness, but he takes a step closer. “You don’t get it,” he says, softer this time. “I’d fight anyone. Anything. Even myself, if it meant keeping you.”
Later, when you let him hold you, he presses his face into your neck and whispers, “You’re it for me.” It’s not a confession. It’s a truth that’s been there all along, he’s just finally admitted it to himself.
︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶ ୨୧ ︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶
Jacob Black
Jacob’s realization comes slow, steady, like a sunrise. He’s always cared deeply, that’s just who he is. But one day, while you’re sitting in the garage helping him tinker with the Rabbit, grease smudged on your cheek, he catches himself watching you laugh at his terrible jokes… and something inside him goes still.
It’s different. He’s loved before, but never like this. Never in a way that feels like his entire life just reoriented around someone else.
You ask him a question about the car, and he doesn’t even hear it at first, too busy watching the way the light hits your face.
“Jake?” you say, laughing a little, and he blinks, shaking his head. “Yeah, sorry. Just spaced.”
He smiles, but there’s something deeper behind it now. A realization, a weight. He’d give anything for you. Even the things he thought he’d never let go of.
That night, when you fall asleep against him, his arm curled protectively around you, he breathes in the scent of your hair and thinks, This is it. This is what home feels like.
He presses a soft kiss to your head, his voice barely a whisper. “Whatever happens, I’ve got you. Always.”
For Jacob, love isn’t just devotion, it’s purpose. It’s the anchor that steadies him, even when everything else threatens to pull him apart.
︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶ ୨୧ ︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶
Quil Ateara
For Quil, it happens so naturally he almost doesn’t notice it, until it hits him all at once. You’re sitting cross-legged on the sand, the bonfire painting your face in warm gold, laughing so hard you’re crying at something Embry said. And Quil’s just… watching you.
Not in the usual way, not with that easy smile and teasing glint. No, this time, it’s quiet. Still. He feels it hit him low in his chest, this warmth, this certainty.
He’d do anything for you. Without question. Without thought. Without hesitation.
He doesn’t even realize he’s stopped laughing until Jared elbows him and mutters, “Dude, you’re staring.”
Quil just grins, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah,” he says softly, eyes still on you. “Guess I am.”
Later that night, when you’re shivering a little from the ocean breeze, he shrugs off his hoodie and wraps it around your shoulders. You start to protest, but he just shakes his head.
“Don’t argue. You come first, remember?” he says, voice gentle but firm.
And that’s the moment it cements, this instinct that’s already written into his bones. The kind that says: I’ll always put you first. Always.
He doesn’t tell you that, though. He just smiles when you look up at him and say thanks, but inside, he already knows. He’s yours, and that’s never going to change.
︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶ ୨୧ ︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶
Embry Call
Embry’s moment comes on a rough day. You’d both had a fight, something small that grew too fast, too sharp. You walked away before either of you said something you’d regret.
He spends the next hour pacing near the tree line, the wolf in him restless, uneasy. Every instinct screams to go after you, but he waits, gives you space, like you asked. It’s agony. And that’s when it hits him: he’d do anything for you, even the hard things, even learning to hold back when every part of him wants to run to you.
He finds you sitting by the cliffs, staring at the water. You don’t turn when he sits beside you.
The silence stretches until he finally says, “I hate fighting with you.” His voice cracks just slightly.
You sigh, leaning against him, and he exhales like he’s been holding his breath for hours.
“You make me crazy,” he says softly, eyes on the horizon. “But I’d still pick you. Every time.”
And when you finally smile, small, tired, but real, he feels it all the way to his core.
That’s Embry’s truth: his love runs deep, steady, unshakable. He doesn’t need grand gestures or promises. Just that quiet certainty that no matter what, he’s yours, heart, soul, and everything in between.
︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶ ୨୧ ︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶
Leah Clearwater
For Leah, the realization scares her more than anything. She’s built walls so high she forgot what it felt like to want to let someone in. But then there’s you, patient, kind, stubborn enough to stay even when she tries to push you away.
It happens one night when you show up at her door after a long patrol, a bag of takeout in your hands and that smile she swears she doesn’t love. You sit with her, eat, talk about nothing, and when you finally fall asleep on her shoulder halfway through a movie, she freezes.
And then it hits her like a wave: I’d do anything to keep this safe.
She looks down at you, her jaw tightening because the thought terrifies her.
You murmur something in your sleep and shift closer, your hand finding hers, and her breath catches.
She squeezes your fingers gently, her chest aching with something soft and sharp at once.
“You’re trouble,” she whispers, but her voice shakes.
Later, when you wake up and smile at her like nothing in the world could go wrong, she realizes she’s done for.
For Leah, love doesn’t come easy, but when it does, it’s fierce. She’d fight the whole damn world for you, even if it scares her to admit it out loud.
︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶ ୨୧ ︶ ֢ ⏝ ֢ ︶
Seth Clearwater
Seth’s realization is pure warmth. He’s always been loyal, always protective, but this? This is something deeper. It happens when you’re hurt, not badly, just a twisted ankle from tripping over a rock on one of your hikes. He panics anyway.
You’re laughing, brushing it off, but Seth’s already crouched in front of you, inspecting it like it’s the end of the world. His hands are gentle, his brow furrowed, his voice low with worry.
“It’s just a sprain, Seth,” you insist, but he shakes his head.
“Yeah, well, that doesn’t mean I can’t carry you,” he says, and before you can argue, you’re in his arms.
You roll your eyes, but your heart stutters when you see the look on his face, that mix of focus and care, like you’re something precious he refuses to let break.
Later, after he’s patched you up and you’re sitting on his lap with ice on your ankle, he finally admits, “I don’t ever want to see you hurt. Not if I can stop it.”
And that’s when he knows, it’s not just protectiveness. It’s devotion. Pure and simple.
For Seth, love is selfless. It’s in the way he carries you, worries over you, makes sure you drink water after you cry. He’d give anything, do anything, just to see you safe and smiling again.
꒰🐺 ꒱ 𝒸w: paul being intense, temper mentions, imprinting, soft possessiveness
𝒫aul 𝓛ahote is not the soft, sweet, whispering-poetry type of boyfriend. He is warm hands, sharp jaw, bad temper, and standing a little too close because he genuinely cannot help himself.
He loves hard. Like embarrassingly hard. Like if he imprints on you, everybody knows within two days because Paul is suddenly hovering like a guard dog with a personal grudge against the entire planet.
୨୧ He acts like he is not clingy, but he absolutely is.
Not in a “baby please text me back” way. More like he just appears wherever you are. Sitting beside you at Emily’s. Leaning against your truck. Walking you home even if you told him you were fine.
He will say something like, “I was going this way anyway,” and everyone knows he was not.
୨୧ Paul’s love language is physical touch, but he would rather die than say that out loud.
His hand on your lower back when you walk through a crowd. Fingers brushing your hair or your sleeve. His knee pressed against yours under the table. His arm thrown over the back of your chair, like he is trying to look casual but also making it very clear you are with him.
He is not delicate with affection at first. He has to learn how to be gentle. But once he does? It ruins him a little.
୨୧ He gets jealous fast, but he tries to play it off.
Paul is not subtle. If some guy looks at you too long, his whole face changes. Jaw tight. Eyes narrowed. Shoulders stiff.
And if you ask him what is wrong, he will definitely say, “Nothing.”
Which means everything is wrong and he is currently fighting demons in silence.
୨୧ He is protective in a very Paul way.
He does not fuss over you sweetly. He checks your tires. Walks on the road side of the sidewalk. Stares down anyone who makes you uncomfortable. Tells you to call him when you get home, then pretends he was not waiting with his phone in his hand.
If you get hurt, even a little, he gets quiet. That is how you know he is really scared.
୨୧ He has a temper, but he would try so hard not to scare you.
Paul is canonically hotheaded. That does not just disappear because he loves someone. But with you, he learns restraint and control
Sometimes he has to walk away. Sometimes he has to phase and run until the anger burns off. Sometimes he comes back looking ashamed, like he hates that part of himself more than anyone else ever could.
He would not want you afraid of him. That would destroy him.
୨୧ He is secretly proud when you wear his clothes.
He acts smug, obviously. That is Paul. But deep down, seeing you in his hoodie or shirt makes his chest feel too full.
He likes that you smell like him. He likes that everybody can see it. He likes that you look comfortable in something that belongs to him.
He will tease you for stealing it, then never ask for it back.
୨୧ At Emily’s house, he is always watching you.
Not in a creepy way. More like he is constantly aware of you. Where you are sitting. If you ate enough. If you are cold. If someone made you laugh.
He pretends he is listening to Jared or Embry, but his eyes keep sliding back to you anyway.
And if you catch him staring, he does not even look embarrassed. He just lifts his eyebrows like, what about it?
୨୧ Paul would be awful at apologizing at first.
Not because he does not care. Because caring makes him feel exposed.
His first apologies are probably stiff and awkward. “I shouldn’t have said that.” “I was being stupid.” “I didn’t mean it like that.”
But later, once he trusts you more, he gets better. Quieter. More honest.
“I got mad because I was scared. That’s not an excuse.”
୨୧ He is not the type to say “I love you” every five seconds.
But when he says it, it hits.
Paul’s “I love you” would come out low, serious, maybe when you are half asleep or after an argument or when he thinks you are not really listening. Or when you’re asleep, dead to the world.
And if you say it back, he goes still for half a second before pulling you closer.
୨୧ He likes when you mess with him.
Paul needs someone who can push back a little. Someone who rolls their eyes when he is being dramatic. Someone who can call him out without making him feel small.
If you tease him, he acts annoyed, but he loves it.
Especially if you make him laugh when he is trying very hard to stay mad.
୨୧ He is warmer than a blanket, no blankets needed when you’re around Paul.
Literally. Being around him is dangerous because once he holds you, you are not getting up. He runs hot from the shifting, so cuddling him feels unfairly good.
He would definitely complain if you put your cold hands on him, but he would still let you.
He would grumble, “You’re freezing,” while pulling your hands under his shirt to warm them up.
୨୧ He would struggle with the imprint at first.
Not because he does not want you. Because wanting you that much scares him.
Paul is used to reacting first and thinking later. The imprint would force him to feel everything at once. Need, fear, love, loyalty, panic.
He would hate how obvious it makes him. Hate that everyone can see exactly where his heart went.
But once he accepts it, that is it. He is yours.
୨୧ He loves in a way that feels almost too intense sometimes.
Paul is not casual. He does not know how to be casual with someone he loves.
He memorizes your moods. Your voice. The way you go quiet when something is wrong. The little things you do when you are nervous.
He notices more than people think he does.
୨୧ He would absolutely get softer when nobody is looking.
Around the pack, Paul is all attitude. Loud mouth, sharp grin, quick temper.
But alone with you? He gets quieter. He lets his guard drop. He presses his face into your neck and just breathes for a second, like being near you resets something in him.
_
I HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED THIS!! I HAD SO MUCH FUN WRITING THIS!! AND IF YOU WOULD BE SO KIND TO LEAVE A COMMENT 🦌
A/N: Before you read this, I want you to know that my native language is different. So I am very sorry for any mistake. Nevertheless, I hope you will like my story and enjoy it.
Summary: For most people, the reserve is beautiful; for most, it holds fond memories. But for Y/N, it’s where everything changed so many centuries ago.Her life was destroyed, and she was turned into a vampire.What if, despite her vow to herself never to return, she does just that?
It all began with a message from Carlisle and ended with a face she thought she’d never see again.
“Hi Y/N, I know we haven’t seen or spoken to each other in a long time. I also know you don’t want to set foot in Forks, but my family is in danger.” There was a long pause in the message Y/N was listening to on her voicemail. “I need your knowledge and experience with newborns. I’m asking you as an old friend.”
Y/N turned off her cell phone, let it slide onto her living room table in front of her, and stared at the dark screen for a while.
She hadn’t seen or heard from Carlisle in a long time—100 years, or was it already 200? She didn’t even know herself anymore.
The vampire stood up from her couch; her bones felt heavy. The kind of heaviness that could drag someone down without any explanation. Yet she knew where that heaviness came from.
Absentmindedly, Y/N gazed into the darkness outside her window. Having to make the decision to return to a place that had destroyed her so many centuries ago wasn’t an easy one—especially not when Y/N’s oldest friend, the man who was like a brother to her, asked her to bury her pain and her past—with Forks and the reservation—for a moment, in order to help.
She stared out into the darkness until the first rays of morning sunlight appeared on the horizon. Y/N made a decision—one that didn’t come easily to her, as she couldn’t shake the feeling that she would soon regret it.
Y/N sat cross-legged on a thick tree branch high up in the trees. She looked down at the clearing below, a grin creeping onto her lips.
Vampires stood on one side and wolves on the other. Both sides looked exactly as Y/N had expected—not pleased to be so close to one another and not thrilled to be fighting on the same side.
Carlisle, who was standing in the middle of the clearing and had begun explaining the first lesson about newborns, paused, a gentle smile forming on his lips.
“You’ve come.”
Y/N pursed her lips, leaped gracefully from her hiding spot, and walked toward her old friend, who looked at her in surprise.
“You need help—that’s reason enough.”
Carlisle took Y/N in his arms and held her tight.
“I’m sorry—I know it’s not fair of me.” He spoke softly, just to her. The vampire nodded, pulling away from him. “For you, I’d do almost anything.”
Y/N turned to Edward. “So where’s the girl who’s a total pain in the ass to our dear friend Caius?”
Edward laughed, “It’s nice to see you haven’t changed a bit!”
Before Y/N could answer Edward, she heard a soft “here,” and she turned around. Smiling, Y/N walked toward the girl standing next to the orange-and-red wolf. The wolf took a step forward, growling. Y/N stopped, put her hands on her hips, and looked at the wolf with annoyance. “Calm down, furball. I’m here to teach you guys how to deal with newborns. So I’d at least like to meet the person who indirectly caused me to be standing here.”
As Y/N let her gaze sweep over the wolves to make her point clear to everyone, she stopped at a gray wolf. She was certain that if she still had a beating heart, it would have stopped right then and there. The vampire stumbled back a few steps, almost as if she’d been pushed. Her eyes widened.
“That can’t be—you’ve been dead for a long time.”
Carlisle walked toward Y/N. He raised his hand and placed it on her shoulder. “Y/N, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” She immediately broke eye contact with the wolf, who had also taken a step forward. She looked helplessly into her old friend’s eyes. “I…,” she looked back at the wolf. The vampire had to be sure he was real, that she wasn’t imagining him.
She looked back at Carlisle. “I shouldn’t have come.”
Y/N tried to remove Carlisle’s hand from her shoulder, but he held her wrist firmly. “Y/N, talk to me.” She shook her head, turned away from him, looked at no one, and disappeared into the forest.
Y/N came to a sudden stop in the middle of the reservation. She knew the Cullens had a treaty with the wolves and that no vampire was ever allowed to cross the border, but she didn’t care.
The vampire’s chest tightened as she got closer and closer to her destination; her steps seemed to slow down on their own.
But she had to see it with her own eyes; she needed the certainty. The certainty about the truth she’d been trying to suppress for so long.
Y/N stopped in front of the entrance to the reservation’s cemetery. She closed her eyes and let her fingers slowly slide toward the gate’s handle. She knew her time here was limited; as long as the wolves were at the
Newborn Hour, she could stay.
“Who are you?” Y/N flinched. She pulled her hand away from the gate, almost as if it had burned her, and turned around. A man with black hair, sitting in a wheelchair, was staring at her.
She didn’t know his name, but she knew he belonged to the wolves. She knew he was a Black—the family resemblance was impossible to miss.
“No one.” Y/N turned away and was about to disappear back into the forest, but the man’s voice stopped her. “I recognize your face. I’ve seen it in sketches.” The vampire looked at him, her expression hardening. “You must be mistaking me for someone else, sir. I’m just passing through.”
Before the man could say anything else, they heard wolves howling in the distance. As the man looked in that direction, Y/N seized the moment to slip away.
Billy looked back toward the gate to say something to the vampire, but he wasn’t at all surprised to find she was no longer standing there. Sam, who had come out of the woods with the others, fully dressed, looked around.
“Don’t worry, she’s gone.” He knew she was a vampire, and he was sure he recognized her face, but from where?
“What was she doing here?” Sam looked at Billy questioningly. “I’m not sure, but I have a feeling. How do you guys know her?”
Jared interjected, “She showed up at practice—supposedly to help us—but when she looked at Paul, she turned almost even paler than she already is, more like a walking corpse.” Paul cut Jared off, almost growling at him. Jared, however, just kept talking, “She said something like, ‘You’re dead,’ and then disappeared.”
“It doesn’t matter what she wanted here. If she crosses our border again, we’ll kill her.” Paul stared grimly at the floor, but his words lacked the bite they usually had.
“You’re just pissed off that you imprinted on her!” Embry laughed. Paul looked at him as if he wanted to pounce on him. “Of all the people in the world, I had to imprint on a vampire!”
Billy looked at him. “I’d be careful about what y’all say about that woman.” Sam looked at him, confused. “Do you think it’s okay for something like this to happen? A wolf and a vampire?” “I’m not saying it’s okay, but...” “But what, Dad?” Jake looked at his father expectantly. “I can’t say for sure, but I think this vampire is closer to us than any of us realize.” “She’s a vampire.” Paul looked at Billy, puzzled. Billy slowly turned his gaze to the young wolf. “Every vampire was once human. Some chose this life; others had this fate forced upon them—and I have a feeling that with this woman, it’s the latter.”
He paused, then looked back at Sam. “The next time she’s here, come get me—don’t hurt her.” Sam nodded, reluctantly, but Billy had never been wrong.
“I never asked you because I didn’t know how. But after today, I can’t help but ask.” Y/N was lying on the couch in the room the Cullens had prepared for her. She didn’t even look at Carlisle; she knew what was coming. “You asked me once—don’t you remember?” Carlisle sat down next to her. “We were traveling together for the Volturi. You asked me why I’d been with them for so long, even though I think so differently.” Carlisle started to laugh.
“I remember. You told me that day that if I ever asked that question again, you’d rip out my throat. Please tell me that’s changed.”
The vampire exhaled a breath she didn’t need, but her next words brought her relief. She sat up straight and looked Carlisle squarely in the eye. “I don’t know if that’s changed. I’ve never talked about my transformation, what brought me to the Volturi, or what made me turn my back on Aro.” Y/N paused, carefully considering her next words. “I feel like I don’t talk about it because that makes it real. Real—what happened on the day of my transformation, what makes me resent this place. It makes the pain real. You know, Carlisle, when you live this long, you either repress your feelings or bury them.”
“Which is the case for you?”
“I buried them, because if I hadn’t, I would have been destroyed and taken everyone I loved—and even those I loved deep down inside—down with me.”
Carlisle gently took Y/N’s hand in his, encouraging her to continue.
“I had a beautiful life. A husband, a child, and a future. But it all vanished before my eyes in the blink of an eye.”
Y/N paused and shook her head. She hated that dull feeling that squeezed her lungs. But she couldn’t cry—yet another thing her vampire existence had taken from her.
“I can’t. I’m sorry.”
Carlisle nodded.
After a brief silence, Y/N looked at him again. “The gray wolf—in that form, he looked like someone I knew. Someone who meant a great deal to me.”
Carlisle studied his old friend closely. He observed her face, the pain hidden within it.
“If you want to leave, then go, Y/N. I’ll never hold this against you. It wasn’t fair of me to bring you here.” The vampire shook her head. “It’s been centuries; I have to face this at some point. Besides, Jasper may be good, but I’m better. After all, I trained the Volturi newborns and know how dangerous they can really become.” “We don’t even know if the Volturi have anything to do with this.” “Even if they don’t, I have a feeling these newborns are being trained solely to destroy, just like the ones I had to train.”
“I’ll be forever grateful to you.” “You’re like a brother to me, Carlisle. Your family is mine, too.”
Y/N stood in the clearing, waiting with the Cullens. She had resolved to shut off all her emotions; she was old and had trained herself to do so over the centuries, so it couldn’t be that hard.
‘I don’t know if you want to know this. The gray wolf—his name is Paul Lahote. He imprinted on you.’ Y/N smiled; she’d figured he’d done that—otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken a single step forward.
‘Let me guess—as a wolf, he’s overjoyed to have a walking corpse as his imprint?’
Edward looked at her in astonishment. “You’re smiling?” “Because it won’t change anything, Edward. I’ll leave town the moment your soulmate is out of danger.” Before Edward could say anything, they heard a whimper behind them. Edward looked behind himself while Y/N walked into the center of the clearing.
“So now that everyone’s here, we can begin.” Y/N clapped her hands and, together with Jasper, began explaining the basics.
The whole time, Y/N had to make sure her eyes didn’t wander back to Paul.
She wondered what he looked like in human form. Did he look somewhat like him, or even exactly like him? The vampire tried with all her might to concentrate on the training, but she couldn’t manage it. Whenever Jasper noticed that Y/N was drifting off into her thoughts, he took over, and stepped back when she was present again.
Y/N was standing at the cemetery entrance once again; once again, her hand was on the gate’s knob, and once again, she hesitated.
“I had my suspicions the first time I saw you. A legend that was never told.”
Y/N laughed sadly, “It’s too dark to tell by the campfire. A sad chapter that ruined everything in an otherwise beautiful book.”
“Why don’t you go inside? You’re standing here again, looking down at the gate.”
“I’m afraid of what I’ll find there. What year is inscribed on their stones. Because I know you’ve modernized them all to honor your ancestors.”
“You won’t just find theirs there—you’ll find yours, too.” Y/N looked at him sharply. “He knew I wasn’t dead.” She paused, a bitter sound escaping her lips. She hated how her life had turned out, and yet she would choose this path again and again—it was the only way she could protect those she loved.
Y/N looked at Billy one last time, then saw Sam and the others approaching from a distance. In their human forms.
“I was right.” Billy looked at her in confusion, surprised that Y/N was still standing there. “Right about what?” ” The vampire focused on Paul; she would have recognized him anywhere. Her gaze turned pained. Even Billy, who didn’t know why she was looking that way, felt a deep ache in his heart. “He looks exactly like him, even in human form.” Billy followed her gaze and understood; when he turned back to Y/N, she had vanished again.
Billy exhaled in frustration.
“Did she disappear again?” Sam looked at Billy curiously. “Yes, but now I know for sure that it’s her and that I was right.” “Right about what?” “She’s someone whose story began like a fairy tale but turned into her worst nightmare.” Billy looked closely at each and every one of the wolves. “Don’t keep us in suspense, Dad!” Jake looked at his father with annoyance.
“You’ll find out soon enough—by the campfire tomorrow night. And if you run into her again at noon, invite her over.” “Billy, you’ve lost your mind! A vampire by the campfire!” Paul stepped forward. “She’s your imprint, whether you want to accept it or not. But you should feel honored that, of all the wolves, you imprinted on her! You’ll understand—you all will!”
“What an honor. No wolf form?” Y/N didn’t look away from the sight before her.
“You’re the only vampire who dares to stand so openly at La Push.”
“What are you going to do? Tear me to pieces, in front of everyone else? I was wandering this beach long before any of you were even born, so please spare me your lectures. Whatever’s been agreed between you and the Cullens doesn’t apply to me! Not when this was my home.”
Paul looked at Y/N in astonishment. “Your home?” She closed her eyes; she didn’t know if she could look at him. Not here, not in the same place where she’d first seen him—the one who shared a face with Paul.
“He hasn’t told you yet?” ” “No, Billy wanted you to come to the campfire. He was going to tell us there.” Y/N nodded.
She wanted to leave, but Paul held her by the arm. Y/N looked at his hand on her arm. “Why have you been avoiding my gaze ever since the first time?” “Why do you care? You despise me because of what I am. You despise the fact that I’m the very one you’ve imprinted on, and I understand you. I’d hate fate too if it bound me to something I hate more than anything.”
“I’m trying to hate you, but I can’t.”
The vampire still wouldn’t look at him. Her gaze remained fixed on his hand on her arm.
Paul closed his eyes. It hurt him; he was confused. Confused by his feelings, hurt that she wasn’t looking at him.
He took a deep breath in and out, took her cheek in his hand, not flinching at the coldness of her skin. Paul turned her face toward him, forcing Y/N to turn her body and head toward him. His left hand gripped her arm more tightly; his right hand literally clenched against her cheek when he realized she had closed her eyes.
“Please,” Paul whispered, so softly that only she could hear him, “look at me. Just look me in the eyes once.”
Paul and Y/N stood only a few centimeters apart. She could feel his breath on her forehead. Slowly, she lifted her face, keeping her eyes closed. She felt his breath glide slowly over her face with every millimeter she turned her face toward him.
Paul watched her closely.
“I can’t look at you,”
Y/N tried, but it didn’t work.
Paul was disappointed. But he’d made up his mind; he had a feeling his Imprint wouldn’t let him get this close to her in the near future. He knew she would rebuild her walls, higher than when he’d first met her.
Even though Y/N had her eyes closed, Paul moved closer to her lips.
Y/N froze. She knew what he was planning, but she knew it would break her. With all her strength, she pulled away from him.
“I can’t, I’m sorry.”
Y/N left Paul behind on the beach. Paul stared for a long time at the spot where his Imprint had been standing, and hated himself for how empty he felt—because of a thing he was supposed to hate.
[Aged up!!! Reader:21 Paul & Jared:22 Sam & Leah:23]
Paul always had shitty luck. His family was broken. His anger issues caused too many problems to count. And he had been in love with you since the day he met you. To top it all off you were Jared's girlfriend. Pretty unlucky, right?
After another turn of fate, the universe curses Paul with the spirit of a wolf. Maybe this time lady luck will bless him with you as his imprint.
Is fate finally on his side?
[couldn’t stop myself from posting lmao sorry, and as always, kinda slow burn bc i can't stfu]
Reader POV
It took all of your strength to tear your eyes off the back of Jared’s head and look at the man guarding him from your view. Paul stood at Jared’s side and was just as adamant in ignoring you. Why won’t they turn around?
“What the fuck have you got to say for yourselves huh?! What’s wrong with you Samuel!” Leah screamed, wrapping her arm protectively around your shoulders. “You taking drugs or something? First you go missing, then these dickheads stop answering our texts, and now you three look like a bunch of gym junkies!!”
Sam’s worried expression hardened into an angry mask as he looked down his nose at her. “It’s none of your business, Leah. We’ve been busy with things much more important than hanging around with a bunch of girls.” he harshly gritted through his clenched jaw. Ouch.
“More important?! Maybe you’ve forgotten, but we are your FRIENDS. We were worried sick about you!” Leah shot back, poking her head around Sam’s side, “And don’t get me started on you, fuckwits! I’ve been doing my best to stop Y/N from going crazy for TWO WEEKS!”
The pair of them stopped breathing and turned to look at each other. Seeing Jared’s side profile, and how it had sharpened in such a short amount of time, was painful for you to accept. He was noticeably taller, his soft jawline had been carved into an angular square, and his eyes had hardened. The look of worry on his face confused you. He’s the one that ghosted me, and now he’s hurt? Your boyfriend looked like a different person - and maybe he was.
“Paul, I’m not surprised you’re being as cruel as ever, but you Jared… you’re honestly a disappointment.” Leah said with a disgusted tone.
Still, he refused to turn around. Still, he refused to speak.
Your body shook with sobs as you looked at the three boys you once thought were your friends. Is this really how it’s going to end? “You need to leave. I’m sorry, Y/N”, was all Sam could say in the face of your heartbreak. You couldn’t believe this was happening, not until you heard it from Jared himself.
“Jared?” You whispered, hurt seeping through your little voice. “W-why won’t you even look at me. Did I do something wrong?” You walked out of Leah’s comforting grasp, and reached around Sam to grab Jared’s warm bicep. The muscle tightened under your fingers and the sheer size of it shocked you. His head dropped as he took shaky breaths.
“Baby… I’m sorry.” His deep voice sent a wave of comfort through you; even if what he said cut you deep. “Please, please look at me, Jar” you begged. At this point, if you had to crawl through broken glass to see his beautiful smile again you would do it.
His head shot up and he turned to Sam. After a minute of silence, the older man gave a slight nod and Jared turned warily towards you. Paul grabbed his shoulder and the two exchanged a look of solidarity. What the fuck is happening?! Your mind was reeling with confusion and pain.
Finally, his eyes slowly raked up your body and locked with your watery pupils. He stood so close you could feel the heat radiating off him, as he searched your gaze for what felt like eternity before he let out a defeated sigh. “I’m so sorry, Y/N. I didn’t want it to end like this -“ No no no no no!
You saw red. Weeks of worrying about your boyfriend has led to this - a public break up in front of the only friends you had. “What?! So you’re serious? Are… are you breaking up with me?”, you cut him off, angry sobs spilling from your lips. He flinched back as if you’d slapped him; and you wished you had. “It’s not working out. I’ve had some time to myself and I-I don’t think we’re right for each other.” He whispered.
Throwing your hands onto his pecs, you felt your world falling apart. “What did I do wrong? I gave you everything I have! I thought you loved me.”You cried, pounding his chest with your weak fists. You knew this was pathetic, but your heart had been ripped out and drowned in the ocean behind you. All you could do was cry and beg. You had nothing left.
“I will always love you.” He said, pressing a kiss to your forehead and removing himself from your desperate grip.
Leah pulled you back protectively cocooning you in her arms, “You’re a real piece of shit, Jared Cameron.” She growled at your now ex-boyfriend.
“Why don’t you two run along now, we’ve got plans.” Sam said in a polite tone that was ruined by his snarled expression.
Jared turned to run down the beach and Sam followed suit. You stood in Leah’s arms, watching your life walk away from you. A deep breath beside you reminded you that Paul hadn’t left yet. Is he here to gloat? To rub it in that I’m not good enough?
You were ready to shout in his face - scream to the high heavens about how this was all his fault - when your throat closed. His dark eyes shone with a warmth so bright it could fill the cracks of your broken heart. You completely forgot why you were even standing on the beach in the first place. The only clear thought you could understand was a single sentence floating through your mind.
Oh my god… he’s beautiful.
The earth below you fell away and all you saw was Paul. His tall tanned physique, the curve of his thin lips, the shape of his adoring eyes. You took in every feature that made up his frame, and drank it in like you’d never seen him before.
Looking at Paul Lahote felt like coming home.
What the FUCK is happening to me!
Paul POV
Hearing the way you broke down as Jared left was the worst sound Paul had ever heard. You had been living through hell without Jared and now he’d left you with the weakest of excuses. Paul knew his friend was forced into doing this and he was going to suffer for months after this; but that didn’t make it any easier to hear your beautiful voice begging for him to stay.
Sam’s harsh words probably didn’t help the situation either, but he really was just trying to keep you girls safe.
Leah stared daggers through Paul’s head and it was clear his presence wasn’t welcome. He knew he should leave but the howling cries of his wolf forced him to stay. Mine! MINE! the gravely voice in his head demanded.
Mine? Paul questioned. And before he knew it, the most mouthwatering smell known to man washed over him. The wind had picked up along the shore and a gust of your sweet scent rippled through his senses. He took a deep breath and savoured the way it calmed his wolf. Holy shit!
You pulled your eyes away from Jared’s retreating form and turned to Paul with a wildly angry look. She’s so hot when she’s angry, he thought to himself and his wolf happily agreed.
Then it happened.
Your pupils dilated and your face melted into a look of mesmerised affection. Paul thought he was dreaming. His soul pulled forward in his chest and reached for you like long lost lovers. The sound of your heartbeat echoed through Paul’s head as every loose thread in his life wrapped around you. The way your eyes took him in filled his wolf with pride - he made a point to puff out his chest and tense every muscle he owned. Paul would’ve spent a century here in comfortable silence with you, but life never did work in his favor.
A look of panic and confusion formed on your face and you turned to Leah. “We will be leaving now” Leah snapped, forcing your hand into hers and dragging you down the beach. NO!
A low growl sounded through Paul’s teeth as he reached to keep you close. You flinched away from him but kept intense eye contact as Leah continued to walk you off the beach. He knew you weren’t in the right place to accept what happened, but he thought surely you would’ve fought to stay by his side… at least for a few more minutes.
Paul was going crazy, split down the middle with mixed emotions. The man wanted to laugh and shout with joy that you were finally his. The wolf wanted to sink his teeth into the next person he saw - his imprint had just walked away without a single word.
In mere seconds, Paul ran for the trees and phased. Bursting through his human skin, the visions of you played through his mind on repeat. SHE’S MINE! Y/N IS MINE!!! he happily shouted through the empty pack mind. Sharing a brain with his friends wasn’t a great perk of being a shifter and Paul was grateful to be stuck on solo patrol for once. Howls of joy rang through the forest as he bounded towards your house.
The pull of the imprint bond was like his own navigation system leading him to you. Paul had always been drawn to you, and now he knew you would feel it too. As your backyard came into view, he sunk to the forest floor and watched your window for signs of life. The heartbeats coming from upstairs told him that you and Leah had made it home safe.
“Lee Lee… did Paul feel different to you?” your voice traveled through your bedroom window and Paul’s ears perked up. She’s thinking about me!
“Same as always hun, don’t worry about him. Fucker probably made Jared break up with you” Leah bitterly remarked. DID NOT! he growled to himself. You let out a surprised gasp, “oh right. I kinda forgot about that…”
“What? You forgot that Paul’s a jerk, or that Jared broke up with you?” Leah Joked.
“Um, honestly both.” You said in a dazed voice. Paul scoffed at the thought that he was a jerk but continued listening. She forgot about Jared? Shit, maybe this imprint thing really is strong.
“What?! Y/N you’re not going into shock are you? You’re taking this whole breakup thing a lot better than I thought you would. I mean you were screaming and crying, but the second Jared left you were like, completely fine.” Leah asked as you both walked downstairs.
“I don’t know Lee, I might be crazy but something happened with Paul,” You admitted and Paul held his breath, “When I looked at him I felt like I saw his soul. Like every piece of him was on show. And now I say it out loud I think I’m definitely going crazy!”
Paul felt your panic in his own chest as you spiralled. The two of you stepped out onto the back porch and the grey wolf sighed in relief seeing your beautiful face glowing in the sunlight.
“Calm down, it’s ok! Jared completely fucked you over, I’m sure you’re just confused right now and definitely haven’t processed it, babe.” Leah reassured you.
“I think you’re right. I just can’t stop thinking about Paul. My brains probably trying to distract me from Jared but honestly girl, I felt like I was being pulled towards him. It was SUPER weird” You said, dropping down onto the back stairs.
He could tell you were deep in thought as you ignored everything that came out of Leah’s mouth. Cutting her off mid-sentence you asked, “Lee… do you think Paul really does hate me?” Oh my god please Leah, please say something nice! Tell her she’s wrong!!!
“Paul hates practically everything, but honestly I’ve never seen him be rude to anyone like he is to you. It’s like you pissed in his rain boots or something.” She said, placing a hand on your shoulder. You sighed and nodded quietly.
LEAH CLEARWATER I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THIS! Paul couldn’t stop the furious bark he let out - Leah was ruining his chances before he even made a move.
Paul stayed flat on his stomach, watching you closely for another hour before he had to return to patrolling. Leaving you with his heart, he silently promised to prove you wrong. There was nothing in this life that he cared about more than you. He would do everything he could to see you as soon as possible.
Embry thot: man loves taking pictures during sex or even just the ones where you have no shirt on just his hands on your boobs (which is totally not his lock screen)
He has plenty of photos on his phone of you in different positions especially on your knees with your mascara running choking on his dick
𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ Pack Promises || Jacob Black X fem reader ꒱ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ
( a/n: ofcc ive been watching twilight on replay like back to back its so bad and I need to let my twilight mind wonder <3 )
forks, I have everything here I need my family, dad, pack everything.. but her.
she's constantly in my mind and I cant help it
" alright enough moping Jake, its getting sad!" jared blurted out from across the room.
"yeah please, do you every go a day without thinking about her? how about Megan fox or something?! switch it up y'know ?" Paul let out with a smirk.
" yeah yeah, keep your imaginary women, I love my girl-
"your girl?"
"y/n, I love her, she just doesn't know it.."
"its so simple just tell her, we can all see the googly eyes she holds for you" Paul teased, widening his eyes
"I cant. I should've imprinted by now" he lets out with frustration
"yeah that is kind of odd, I mean you hold so much emotion for that girl, it makes no sense why you haven't yet.." embry let out in confusion
" boys.. good things come when the time is right, don't be impatient Jake" sam advised while holding on to sam
" I just don't want to hurt her, what if it's someone else, huh? , it's not her and I lose her? will I every truly be happy?"
" that all depends on when the time comes, but as of now Jake I need you to take over for me tonight. I have a meeting with the council talking about taking on more protection for our grounds, is that okay?"
"Jake!" I ran up to him, excited, we finally found a day where our schedules aligned. Friday, I love Fridays.
" hey, my star" star, a name he gave to me when he was at his lowest
"y'know, you’re like a little star. Always there, even when it’s dark"he whispered, voice shaking, tears streaming down his face, moving a piece of hair out my face, tucking it behind my ear."
" hiii, im so ready for today this week has been so long please take me away" I jokingly curtsy down pointing to his bike, he lets a giggle slip out
"of course m'lady, here's your crown of armor" he hands me the helmet. We hop on and he drives me home.
Jacob black.
the boy I love, so much I'd drop anything for him , does he know? possibly, does everyone else know? yes. it truly is embarrassing on how loud my love is.
I met jack when I was 3, billy brought him to la push, and coincidentally my dad also brought me there, I was playing with the fish and hi being the boy he is.. wanted to im guessing disturbed them somehow.
I shut it down.
"hey no!, these are friends!"
" .. can I be your friend too?...I'm jake!" he smiled the sweetest smile at me, of course missing one tooth.
"im y/n, sit with me" I pat the side next to me" my heart was most definitely doing 1000000 flips.
it came to a stop, I was home
" hey Jake remember that one time you wanted to swing while holding your ice cream?"
" only because you said I couldn't, and I did"
" yeah for like a minute until you dropped the whole come"
"go inside" he guided me in, with his hand on my lower back.
" oh listen so I was thinking... Ice cream.. or pasta? because I know-
I got interrupted, his phone... its always his phones that interrupts us.
"heading out now, please join Emery and Paul"
he looked down, hesitant
" y/n," he let out with a huge sigh
"we need to reschedule.."
"Jake, really?" I looked at him, confusion and irritation written all over my face, then covered with a smile when I realize he's joking
" I'm serious..I'm sorry, it's a pack promise "
"pack promise?" I let out, trying to hide the disappointment in my voice.
he nods, trying to avoid my eyes by fidgeting with his helmet.
"yeah, sam needs help tonight, nothing big" nothing big? it was supposed to be us tonight..
"I offer him a small smile, trying to stay cool even though my chest tightens. “It’s okay. Go save the world or whatever.” I let out with a sad laugh
and just like that he was gone, again its hurts but I have to understand, its different now. We used to be so close, the closest, but as soon as he had to join the rest he became distant, less close, less Jake...
The trees were quiet, just the occasional rustle of leaves and snapping twigs under our paws. The moon hung low, casting a soft glow over us, but the only thing that was on my mind was her, how sad she looked, I could practically hear her heart breaking every second.
“So,” Paul said through the pack link, “did you break her heart yet or are you still playing the ‘I’m emotionally unavailable’ game, ?”
" shut up" I growled out , not slowing down.
" No seriously," Embry chimed in, half teasing "you bail on her again?"
I didn't answer at first. My paws pressed hard into the dirt, jaw clenched even in wolf form.
"sam needed someone to cover. I covered. End of story"
"Dude, come on" Paul said " she looked crushed. We passed her house on the way here, lights still on in her room"
That hit harder than I wanted to admit. I stayed silent, but Embry picked up on it.
“You care, Jake. More than you let on.”
“That’s the problem.”
“So tell her.”
I stopped walking and turning my head toward the dark stretch of trees ahead. The silence dragged.
“And what if I imprint on someone else tomorrow? What then? I give her a version of me that was never going to stay?”
“You’re scared,” Paul said flatly. “But you’re also selfish. You won’t let her go, and you won’t pull her close either.”
I growled again, low and warning.
“Alright, alright,” Embry backed off. “But you gotta figure this out, man. She’s not gonna wait forever.”
I didn’t respond. Just started walking again.
But the image of her standing at the doorway with that look of hurt in her eyes stayed with him the rest of the night.
𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒱ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ
The next morning, I'm woken up to a simple text.
“Sorry about last night. You alive?
ugh, as if flaking wasn't enough, you had to go and wake me up... at 5:30 am.. thanks Jake.
"now I am, why what's up"
"look outside"
I struggle, leaving the warmth within my bed, and there he is. Outside, wearing what looks like the worst thing to wear in the cold, but also wearing the best goofy smile i've even seen.. my favorite smile, my heart melts.
I lift up the window
"what are you doing outside?"
"still up for that ice cream? maybe a gelato?" he suggests more than ask, letting out a nervous laugh.
"Jake.. yes but its literally freezing"
"you left this at my place last week" he pulls out my puff coat
"alright I'll come down and open the door"
"no no wait hold on" he jumps up on the tree, to my lower roof , then through my window in one swift move.
"Jake what the actual-"
"just a little fun, nothing much. Here, lets go I don't want to waste anytime"
"Jake, they don't open till 7.. its 5: 45"
He pauses, blinking. “…They don’t?”
I cross my arms, trying not to smile. “Nope. Not unless you’ve got a secret key or something.”
Jake scratches the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. “Okay, well… minor miscalculation.”
I laugh, sitting on the edge of my bed. “So what now, genius?”
He looks around my room, then shrugs like it's the most casual thing in the world. “I mean… I did climb a tree and risk breaking my spine to be here. You could at least let me chill for a while.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You want to hang out in my room at 6 a.m. with no gelato and no real plan?”
“Pretty much,” he smirks, flopping back onto the bed like he’s been doing it his whole life which, to be fair, he kind of has.
I roll my eyes but scoot over anyway. “Fine. But I’m not entertaining you. I’m tired.”
He folds his arms behind his head, settling in. “Didn’t ask you to. I’m just gonna be here. Existing.”
A comfortable silence falls between us. I lay back, eyes tracing the soft shadows moving across my ceiling. I hear Jake breathe out, slow and even. It’s nice. It’s quiet.
Too quiet.
I glance over at him. “Hey, remember when we tried to build a snow fort and you ended up getting stuck in it?”
He snorts. “That was your idea. You said the tunnel needed to be more ‘realistic.’ I was trying to impress you.”
“By getting buried alive?”
“Apparently that was my move,” he chuckles, eyes still closed.
A smile tugs at my lips. “It worked.”
He turns his head toward me then, eyes softer now. “Yeah?”
I nod. “You’ve always had a way of showing up… even if it's at the weirdest times.”
There’s a pause heavy, but not uncomfortable.
Jake shifts onto his side, propping his head up with one hand. “I’m sorry for last night. I wanted to be there.”
I meet his eyes, trying to read between the lines. “You’re always torn, Jake. Between me and... everything else.”
He doesn’t answer right away. Then, quietly, “Yeah. I am.”
That’s all he gives me. And somehow, I understand.
I let out a breath and close my eyes. “Just don’t disappear, okay? That’s all I ask.” the sleepiness reads clearly through my voice
“I won’t,” he whispers.
At some point, I feel his hand brush against mine. I don’t move. Neither does he.
The next thing I know, I’m waking up hours later, sunlight stretching across the room in warm stripes.
Jake’s still beside me, completely knocked out, one arm slung loosely over my waist, our hands still barely touching.
I don’t move. I don’t want to.
Because for the first time in a while… he stayed.
I take time to notice how much I admire him, his structure, eyes, lashes, eyebrows.. many guys get the best lashes
and lastly how warm he is.. its freezing outside and yet here we are, him as warm as the sun. unbelievable.. I could get used to this.
The steady rhythm of his breathing, the way his arm feels like safety draped across me, the warmth he gives off without even trying. It's stupid, but I feel like I’ve found home in this tiny moment.
I glance up at him again, just watching.
His lashes flicker. He stirs slightly.
Then, slowly, his eyes open and they land right on me.
Busted.
“…Were you staring at me?” he mumbles, voice still thick with sleep.
I blush, immediately looking away. “No.”
He smirks, eyes still half-lidded. “Right. Just admiring the wall behind me?”
I roll my eyes. “Shut up.”
Jake stretches a little, yawning. “It’s kinda flattering, you know.”
“What is?”
“That you like looking at me.”
I open my mouth to argue, to say something witty, but he just laughs softly, eyes crinkling. It’s rare that kind of genuine softness from him. And even rarer that he lets it last.
But then it happens.
His phone buzzes from the floor beside the bed.
He tenses almost immediately, like his body recognizes the call before his brain even does.
“…Don’t,” I say quickly, already feeling the moment slipping away.
He leans over, grabs the phone, and I can tell from his face it’s the pack.
“I have to—”
“Of course you do.” My voice is sharper than I mean it to be, and I sit up, pulling the covers with me. The cold rushes in without his warmth beside me.
“Y/N,” he sighs, already standing, grabbing his jacket. “Sam needs help with something on the east line. He wouldn’t call if it wasn’t serious.”
I don’t say anything. I just nod and look away.
Jake steps closer, rubbing the back of his neck. “Last night was… nice.”
I force a smile. “Yeah. It was.”
He hesitates at the door, like he wants to say something more, maybe explain why he always leaves, why it feels like he’s only ever halfway here.
But he doesn't.
He just looks at me, like he's memorizing the way I look in this exact second.
“I’ll see you later,” he says quietly.
“You always say that,” I whisper as he steps out.
And once again… he’s gone.
𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒱ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ
The first thing I feel is warmth.
Not the kind from the sun or even the blankets it’s her. She’s still here. Right beside me. Her breathing is soft, steady, peaceful. And somehow, I didn’t ruin it this time. Somehow, I stayed.
I open my eyes slowly and see her looking at me.
She tries to look away, but it’s too late I caught her. She’s doing that thing where she tries to hide her smile behind attitude, and God, I love that about her. Always pretending she’s tougher than she is.
“…Were you staring at me?” I ask, half-asleep, voice raspy.
She blushes. I smirk.
Moments like this soft, slow, real they’re dangerous. They make me wish I could be selfish. That I could stay in this bed, wrapped up in the safety of her sheets, wrapped up in her. She doesn’t even know what she does to me, how hard I have to work just to not give it all away.
But of course, peace never lasts long.
My phone buzzes from the floor, and I already know pack business. Sam’s name flashes on the screen, and everything tightens in my chest.
I glance over at her.
She knows.
“Don’t,” she says, quiet. Pleading.
I hate this. I hate that this is the part where I always become the bad guy. The one who chooses the pack over her, even if it’s not really a choice.
“Sam needs help with the east line,” I say, voice low. “He wouldn’t call if it wasn’t serious.”
She nods, pulling away. Just like that, the space between us is back. The warmth is gone.
“Y/N,” I try, but she doesn’t look at me. Doesn’t even say goodbye.
I stand there for a second, jacket in hand, phone buzzing in my pocket again but I don’t move yet.
I look at her.
She’s sitting there, wrapped in the blanket, trying so hard to look unaffected. But I can see the hurt in her eyes. I alwayssee it.
I wish I could fix this.
I wish I could just say it how badly I want her, how I don’t imprint but still somehow feel like she’s already mine. That I don’t even want anyone else.
But I don’t say any of that.
I just watch her, memorizing her the way she looks right now sleepy, quiet, trying not to break.
This is what kills me.
Not the patrols. Not the danger.
Her.
Leaving her.
“Last night was… nice,” I manage.
She forces a smile. “Yeah. It was.”
I take one step back. Then another.
“I’ll see you later,” I say.
“You always say that.”
And it echoes in my head, even as I close the door behind me. Even as I run through the trees.
You always say that.
Yeah.
And one day, I might not get to say it again.
𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒱ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ
I told myself I wouldn't cry.
I really did. But here I am, fists clenched, voice shaking, heart ripping itself apart.. and he's just standing there. Saying nothing, like that's better than the truth.
"this isn't working anymore, Jake" I say barely louder than a whisper. "I cant keep pretending like this doesn't hurt"
he opens his mouth, closes it, swallows hard. "y/n"
"no." I step back. "don't say that. don't say my name like that. Like you're sorry when we both know you'll leave again tomorrow."
He looks at me, eyes glassy but guarded. Always guarded. " I never meant to hurt you."
"But you did," I say voice breaking. "Every time you leave, it hurts. Every time you show up just to disappear again, it hurts. You don't get to keep walking in and out of my life like it means nothing."
His jaw tightens. " It means something. you mean something."
I shake my head. "then why won't you fight for me? why won't you let me in?"
silence. He doesn't have an answer he never has an answer.
So I give him mine.
"im done."
His eyes snap to mine. "what?"
" I cant do this anymore, Jake. I cant keep waiting for a version of you that might not exist. I need someone who chooses me. Fully. Not just when it's convenient."
the words feel like fire leaving my mouth, but they're true. Every single one.
he takes a shake step forward. "You don't mean that."
"I do," I whisper. "I blocked your number. I told billy. I told my dad. I need space. I need peace. I need to stop hoping for something you won't give."
His face falls. The panic in his eyes is real now. Raw.
" y/n, please, don't do this."
"I already did."
I turn, walking away even though it feels like dragging my heart through glass. But for the first time.. im choosing myself."
I don't look back.
𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒱ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ
she's really gone.
she actually walked away. And the worst part is, I let her.
I stood there like an idiot. Like a coward.
I could've said everything. Told how I lover her, how she's the only thing that feels right in this mess of a world. That imprint or not, shes the one I keep coming back to. tea is always been her.
But I didn't
and now? I don't even have the sound of her voice to hold on to.
I call. No answer.
I text. No reply.
I circle her block more times that I'd ever admit. I see her light on. I see her shadow in the window. But the curtain never lifts.
its like she docent exist in my world anymore.
but I exist in hers. I know I do.
and im not letting go.
not this time.
not until she hears the words I should've said the first night I walked away.
"y/n, I love you. I always have. And I'm sorry it took losing you to say it."
now I just have to find a way to tell her, if she'll even let me close enough again."
The thought sits heavy in my chest like a stone. I can already picture her face when she sees me, The guarded look, the small step back, the walls going up before I even open my mouth. She's always been quick to protect her heart, and ive given her every reason to keep it locked up now.
so I start planning.
No big speeches out of nowhere, she'd shut me down before I finished the first sentence.
No chasing her down the street again, she'd see that as desperation, and she hates being cornered.
I need her to feel safe.
I need her to remember the pieces of us that existed before all the broken promises.
I think about the places that meant something to us, the cliff where she dared me to jump first, the dock where she spilled soda all over my shirt and laughed until she couldn't breathe, the beach where I called her " my star" for the first time. If I can get her there, maybe she'll remember too.
but the hard part... is getting her to come at all.
the pack will notice if im distracted, and they'll ask questions im not ready to answer. Paul will probably tell me to "man up" and just tell her already. Embry will keep reminding me that im on borrowed time before she really moves on.
they're not wrong.
the truth is... im scared.
scarred that when I finally get the words out, she'll look at me with that same guarded expression and say its too late.
but I also know this, I've faced more worse things than fear.
and losing her forever?
That's not something I can survive.
so tomorrow...
tomorrow I find her.
tomorrow I try.
and maybe, if the universe isn't completely against me, tomorrow will be the day she lets me close enough to finally make her understand
she's it for me.
always has been.
always will be.
the next morning, im outside her place before the sun's even finished climbing over the trees. The air is cold enough to bite, but I don't care.. I need to see her before she slips away again.
when she finally opens the door, she's already dressed to leave, jacket zipped, hair pulled back like she's got somewhere better to be.
"Jake," she says flatly, I don't have time for this"
"just.. come with me. please. ten minutes"
her eyes narrow. " why? so you can disappear halfway through again? no thanks"
that's not-" I bite my tongue. fighting her right now won't work. "its not like that. I just.. I need to show you something."
she shakes her head. " im not in the mood for another one of your half promises"
and then she steps past me, brushing my arm, walking fast like if she keeps moving, I wont be able to catch her.
I follow her anyway. " y/n, just- listen to me-"
" no, Jacob. you don't get to talk your way out of this one. im done."
her voice cracks on the last word, and its like s knife to the gut. I could let her walk away, I should let her walk away.. that would be the selfless thing.
but I cant.
I grab her wrist gently. "if you walk away right now, I'll never forgive myself. just ten minutes. please."
she freezes, her back still to me.
and for a second, I swear I see her shoulders shake, like she's debating whether to keep walking or turn around.
The rain starts slow soft drops tapping against the dirt road as the sky darkens overhead.
By the time she turns around, it’s pouring.
y/n stands in the middle of the road, soaked to the bone, her breathing sharp and uneven. Her hair sticks to her cheeks, her fists clenched at her sides.
“Why do you keep doing this, Jake?” she yells over the rain. “Why do you keep coming back if you’re just going to leave again?”
Jake stops a few feet away, his chest heaving, rain streaming down his face. “Because I can’t stay away from you!”
“Then why did you?” Her voice cracks, the sound lost in the storm. “Why did you push me away every single time I tried to care about you? I waited, Jake! I waited for you to choose me!”
He swallows hard, pain flickering in his eyes. “Because I was scared!”
“Of what?”
“Of you!” he shouts back. “Of losing you before I ever got to really have you. I thought if I stayed back, if I didn’t get too close, I’d be protecting you from me, from what I am, from everything that comes with it.”
She stares at him, rain dripping from her lashes. “And did it work? Did pushing me away protect me?”
He looks down, his voice breaking. “No. It just broke both of us.”
For a second, all that’s heard is the downpour, the distant roll of thunder, and the unspoken years between them.
“I never stopped caring,” she whispers. “Even when you made it impossible. Even when you kept choosing everything else over me.”
He takes a step closer, his voice softer now, trembling. “You were never second, y/n. You were always first. I was just too blind to admit it.”
She shakes her head, tears mixing with the rain. “You don’t get to say that now. Not after everything.”
Jake moves closer still, until they’re inches apart. His hands hover near her arms, unsure if he’s allowed to touch her.
“I know,” he says quietly. “And I’m sorry. For every time I made you doubt how much you mattered. For every promise I didn’t keep. I was lost, y/n, but I’m done running. Because now…”
He pauses, eyes flicking to hers.
“Now I know it’s you.”
Something shifts , deep and powerful, like the air around them changes. His heartbeat quickens, the rain blurring into silence. The world narrows to her her scent, her breath, her eyes.
like something hit me
It’s overwhelming, electric. My chest feels like it’s being torn open and rebuilt all at once.
gasping, stumbling forward, my hand instinctively reaching for hers.
y/n freezes, eyes widening as if she can feel it too , the pull, the invisible connection that snaps into place between them.
“Jake…” she whispers. “What’s happening?”
He exhales shakily, tears mixing with rain. “It’s you. It’s always been you. I thought fate was waiting for someone else, but it was you, all along.”
The rain keeps falling, warm and heavy, soaking through my clothes until I can barely tell where the storm ends and where Jacob begins. He stands in front of me, breathing hard, his eyes fixed on mine like he is hanging onto something invisible and breakable.
He reaches for my waist, hesitating, trembling.
like if he touches me, everything will change.
like he already knows it will.
I swallow, step closer, and finally whisper, “I am tired of running from you.”
That is all it takes.
His mouth meets mine in a kiss that feels like every moment we never said out loud. His hands grip my waist, pulling me against his warmth. The rain makes our skin slick, our clothes heavy, our breaths shaky. His lips crash against mine with years of held back emotion.
He pauses just long enough for our foreheads to touch.
“You have no idea what you mean to me,” he whispers, voice rough.
I want to ask. I want to understand.
But instead my fingers curl into the back of his neck, pulling him closer.
“I need you to mean it, Jacob,” I whisper. “No more leaving. No more excuses.”
His breath catches. He presses me gently against the fence behind me, his hands steady, his body warm and trembling. His lips brush the corner of my mouth, my cheek, the place beneath my jaw that makes my legs go weak.
Something shifts inside me.
Something warm.
Something frightening.
Something too big for words.
I gasp softly, gripping his shirt.
“I feel something. I do not know what it is but I feel it.”
He freezes, chest rising sharply against mine. For a moment he just stares at me like he is seeing something impossible. Then he shakes his head slightly, like he needs to stop himself from saying something.
“y/n,” he whispers. His thumb brushes my cheek, slow and trembling.
“I am so sorry I hurt you. I should have told you everything. I should have stayed. I should have chosen you every time, not my fear.”
“Then why didn’t you,” I whisper, voice breaking.
“Why wasn’t I enough for your promises.”
His eyes close like the words physically strike him.
“You were always enough. You are enough right now. I just never thought I deserved you.”
The rain pounds around us. Thunder rolls in the distance.
He steps closer and cups my face with both hands.
“I love you.”
It comes out soft but certain.
“I love you more than any promise I ever made.”
My breath catches. I want to believe him. I do.
But the ache in my chest is still fresh.
“Jacob,” I whisper, tears mixing with rain. “You keep saying pack promises. Pack this and pack that. But what about promises to me. Why were those always the ones you broke.”
He shakes his head, voice cracking.
“I am not breaking another one. Not to you. Not ever again.”
He leans in, his forehead pressed to mine, his breath warm and shaky against my lips.
“I promise you, y/n. This time it is real. This time it is yours. No pack rules. No excuses. Only us.”
His voice lowers, barely audible.
“A promise stronger than any pack promise.”
My fingers grip the front of his shirt and I pull him in, kissing him again, slow and breathless. His hands slide around my waist, holding me like he will never let go again.
And even though I do not understand why it feels like the world just shifted beneath my feet, I know one thing with absolute certainty.
When Jacob Black makes a promise in the rain
one meant for me
one spoken through shaking breaths and soft kisses
one whispered against my lips like a vow
