When we got back to Paul's house, he held my hand in his and led me straight to his bedroom.  We stripped our clothes off and climbed onto the bed. I couldn't get over the way he looked. You would think that by now I'd be used to him changing every time I come home, but I'm still in awe.

We laid facing each other and my fingers were immediately drawn to his face.  I gently traced my fingertip across his forehead, caressing lines zigzagging above his eyebrows. I sighed as dragged my soft touch down his nose, landing on that adorable groove above his lip.  I used both hands to smooth over his more developed pectoral muscles, lingering on the deep crevice down the center. His body thrilled me and I longed to learn every part of it.

"Are you having fun?" he murmured, sliding his hand over my hip, curling his fingers around my waist and pulling me close.

I nodded as I moved to nuzzle my nose in the crook of his neck.  "You feel so good."

"Me?" he teased. "Your skin is so soft and now I don't even have to be close to you to smell your amazing scent. I can find you anywhere now."

"So no playing hide and seek with you?" I teased back.

I gasped when he pushed me back and hovered over me.  "I got something for you," he breathed as I felt his erection pressing against my thigh. 

"I can feel it," I panted. 

Paul rolled his eyes. "Not that, you little nasty.  I got you a present."

I smiled as he reached over me, opened his nightstand drawer, and presented me with a long slender box wrapped in Christmas paper.  "Here."

"Paul," I gasped as I slid out from underneath him and sat up slightly. "It's not even Christmas yet."

He scooted up, propped himself up by his elbow and beamed at me.  "This is actually your present from last year. We didn't see each other at Christmas last year and then I just forgot about it.  It's nothing big, but I want you to have it."

I gave Paul a quick peck and excitedly began opening my gift.  I tore the paper away and carefully opened the white box. I carefully lifted a long silver chain from the box and examined the two flat hearts that dangled from it. There was an "R" engraved in one and a "P" engraved in the other heart. I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I smoothed my fingers over the shiny metal charms.  "This is so pretty."

He took it from my hands and beamed brightly. He unhooked it carefully and clasped it behind my neck as I lifted my hair.  "You really like it?"

"I love it," I gushed as I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.  

Paul relaxed back with my body still firmly pressed against his.  He cupped my face in his hands and smiled. "I bought the chain, but I made the hearts at school."

I tilted my head and gave him a surprised look.  "You made them?"

He rolled his eyes.  "It was stupid. I was taking this woodworking class and we were doing metalsmithing for a few weeks.  That wasn't what we were supposed to be making but the teacher liked it and I got an "A," he beamed.

I held the hearts between my thumb and forefinger, rubbing the smooth metal as I did. "They're so tiny and delicate.  You engraved them too?"

He nodded. "I promise I'll get you something nicer next week for Christmas.  This just doesn't seem like enough, Rachel. You deserve the best."

"Oh, Paul.  You are the best. And I love this so much.  And I have everything I need right here...with you."

I smoothed my hand over his cheek and leaned in slowly.  When I pressed my lips to his, he responded by opening his mouth and letting the tip of his tongue touch mine. We spent time just kissing and touching each other in a way that didn't lead to sex.

"I love you," I whispered when he backed away from me, completely breathless.   

I buried my face against his smooth chest and sighed when he held me tightly.  "I love you," he whispered back. "I'm so glad you're home."

I ran my hand soothingly up and down his arm and listened to the sound of his breathing.  I felt so content knowing we could finally be together and I didn't have to leave him again. 

~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~

When I awoke the next morning, I literally had to untangle myself from Paul's grasp. He held me so fiercely and I felt so protected.  And I would have stayed like that forever if I hadn't been completely starved.  

It wasn't long before the smell of scrambled eggs and sausage links had Paul wandering out of bed in search of food and hopefully me too. I smiled when I felt him slide up behind me.  His strong arms encircled my waist and I felt his mouth on my neck. "Good morning," he murmured.

I wiggled my ass insistently against him and he laughed in response. "Good morning to you, baby."

I shuddered a little when I felt Paul's hands tiptoe down my sides and over my thighs.  "No panties?" 

He followed me to the table as I carried two plates of breakfast for us.  When I leaned over the table, I felt his hands grip my hips roughly and I scoffed. "Oh no, mister.  You had all night to ravage me. Now it's time to eat," I scolded. 

Paul chuckled as he sat down and I pulled out a chair to sit.  He yanked me into his lap and kissed me hungrily. "Who needs food when I got you?" he mumbled against my lips between kisses.

"I do," I argued, moving to stand.  He pulled me back down and held me tightly.  "I want you right here in my lap. That chair is too far away," he whined playfully. 

I rolled my eyes and reached for my plate. "Fine, but I'm eating."

I sighed when I felt Paul's chin on my shoulder. I began passing bites from my fork over my shoulder and he moaned appreciatively. "Oh man, I could really get used to this."

"What?" I giggled when he tickled my sides.  

"I really love waking up to you all sexy, wearing my shirt, and forgetting your panties while you make me breakfast and lovingly hand feed me."

"Like the animal you really are?" he teased.

"Animal?" he echoed.  "I'll show you my animal," he threatened as he lifted, turned me and pressed me onto the table. 

"Paul," I gasped when he yanked me close to him and leaned between my legs.  My breathing sped up as he rocked against me.

I jumped a little when we heard the front door open and Jared came bursting into the kitchen. "Paul!"

"Jared, what the fuck?" Paul spat, making no effort to move off of me.

Jared's eyes went wide when he saw the scene in front of him.  "Hey."

"Can I help you?" Paul asked impatiently. 

Jared smiled and nodded at me and I rolled my eyes.  "Jared, why are you here?" 

"Oh!  Paul, you're late for patrol.  You gotta go before Sam finds out."

"Fuck!" Paul exclaimed as he glanced up at the wall clock.  Paul pulled me into his arms and pouted. "I'm so sorry. Can we continue this later?"

I nodded quickly and smiled as Paul pressed a soft kiss to my lips. "Walk me to the door?" he urged, pulling on my hand and guiding me to the back door.

Paul looked around to see if Jared was still there and when he didn't see him, he slipped his shorts off and handed them to me.  "Please put these on. I'll feel better."

I laughed and did as he asked.  Paul opened the door, but leaned back in for one more kiss.  "I love you!" he called as he trotted off toward the treeline.

I laughed at his bare ass and shut the door behind him. I tightened the drawstring on his basketball shorts and returned to the kitchen to find Jared scarfing up what was left of breakfast. "I got hungry," he replied when I caught him.

"It's fine, Jared," I sighed. "I can make some more."

~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~

After breakfast, I begrudgingly let Jared walk me home.  "You know I perfectly capable of taking care of myself?"

"Oh I know," he retorted happily.  "I saw what you did to Embry when he tried to kiss you last summer."

I scowled when I thought about the mind link and what else Jared may know.  I walked a little faster and kept my head down. Jared caught up with me and gently touched my elbow.  "I'm sorry, Rachel. I can only imagine how freaked out you are knowing that I've seen things about you.  I shouldn't have said anything."

I shrugged.  "I guess I should get over it.  You guys can see each other's thoughts so it's a little embarrassing for me, but I'll live."

"I wouldn't be embarrassed at all.  Paul really loves you. He's gonna do anything he can to protect you. We all will."

"Thanks, Jared," I called as I bounded up the steps and opened the front door.

I noticed that Dad's truck was gone so I made a beeline for Jake's room, figuring he was still in bed.  "Jacob?"

When I flipped Jacob's bedroom light on, I found Embry sitting on his bed.  "Where's Jacob?" I demanded.

Embry stood and crossed the room to face me.  "I don't know. No one was home when I got here."

"So...what? You just let yourself in?"

Embry scoffed.  "I've probably spent more time in this house in the last four years than you have."

I nodded slowly, realizing he was probably right.  "So what's your point?" I asked defensively. 

Embry sighed as he leaned against the doorway across from me.  "I came over here last night to talk to Jake and he wouldn't see me.  This house has been like a second home to me and I fucked that all up."

"I know you did, Embry.  I just don't understand why you did it."

He rubbed his hands over his face and sighed.  "I don't know. I can't explain it. It was so stupid of me to spout off yesterday in front of everyone like that. I just couldn't let it go."

"You should go home.  Jake needs some time."

Embry winced.  "I can't go home.  My mom has had it with me. She doesn't understand why I'm gone all night patrolling or why I sleep all day or why my grades are so bad."

His eyes finally met mine and his brow furrowed in concern.  "Are you okay?"

I shrugged.  "Yeah. I'm fine."

He glanced over me quickly and quietly asked, "Did you get hurt yesterday...when I knocked you down?"

"I'm tougher than I look."

Embry gave me a sad smile.  "I probably know that better than anyone, Rachel."

I watched him walk down the hall and I followed him to the front door.  He pulled the door open and was met by a confused Jacob. He glared at Embry and then noticed me standing nearby.  "Seriously?"

Embry backed away slowly, holding his hands up.  "I just came to see you. I didn't touch her."

Before I could say another word, Jacob came charging forward, throwing a punch and sending Embry sailing backwards.  Jacob lunged at Embry and lifted him by the front of his shirt. I rushed to his side and yanked on Jacob's arm. "Jake, stop!"

"Jacob! What the hell are you doing?"

I looked up to see Rebecca on the other side and between the two of us, we were able to dislodge Jacob's grasp of Embry.  Jacob stumbled away from Embry as Rebecca knelt in front of him. She used her thumb to wipe away the blood from his lip. "Oh Embry. Are you alright?"

Embry lifted his gaze and locked eyes on Rebecca.  She cupped his cheek with her hand and he reached up to cover her hand with his.  "I'm okay, Becca. Don't worry."

"Oh fuck," Jacob muttered under his breath. 

I shrugged my shoulders when I looked at Jacob.  "What's wrong?"

He nodded toward them and rolled his eyes. I saw the dreamy way that Embry was staring at Rebecca and I covered my mouth.  "No way…" I glanced back at Jacob, who had escaped out the front door and returned to the driveway to retrieve my twin's luggage.  "Did he…" I asked when I caught up to him.

"What happened?" Dad inquired as he returned from picking up the mail.  

Jacob sighed deeply and shook his head.  "You're gonna have to explain the legends to Becca now."

"Why?"

I glanced at the front door and then back to Dad.  "Embry just imprinted on her."

~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~

"Are you okay?"

Becca nodded distractedly and glanced my way.  "You look nice."

I smoothed down the front of my sweater and sat down at my vanity.  "Thank you."

Rebecca shifted around on the bed to lie on her stomach.  She watched as I brushed through my hair and applied my make-up.  "Where are you going?" she mused mused quietly. 

I swung around to face her and frowned. "You know, I don't have to go anywhere tonight.  I can stay home and we can talk some more. I know we gave you a lot of information."

Becca shrugged and nodded.  "Yeah…but I don't wanna think about it anymore.  I came home to figure things out, Rach. I don't know if I really want to go back to Hawaii."

"Because of Embry?" I demanded. 

"No!" she exclaimed.  "I can't even think about that yet. I'm still trying to process the fact that...Solomon has been cheating on me."

~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~

"Are you guys ready to do this?"

Becca and I looked at each other and nodded.  "We're ready, Jacob."

Jacob chuckled and turned the knob, opening the door to reveal the pack.  Becca and I stepped through the door hand in hand. Immediately my eyes sought out my handsome boyfriend.  

"You must be Rachel and…" a pretty brunette with several long scars on her face rushed up to us excitedly. "I didn't realize there were two of you," she laughed. 

"This is Rachel and Rebecca. Rebecca is home for Christmas.  Girls, this is Emily, Sam's fiancée," Jacob explained.  

We greeted Emily happily and she offered to go get us both a glass a wine.  I glanced over to the mantel where Paul was leaning and chatting with Jared.  I got a fuzzy feeling in my stomach when he smiled my way and sauntered toward us. "Hey," he whispered with a smirk on his face before pulling Rebecca into a hug.

My heart sank when I realized he couldn't tell the difference between us.  He released her from his hold and glanced at me. "And you?" he smirked.

I blinked up at Paul as he gripped the back of my neck roughly.  "Do you really think I can't tell you two apart?" he whispered huskily before pressing his lips to mine.  

I smiled against his mouth and I laced my fingers behind his back.  I ignored the wolf whistles and Jacob groaning. I just let myself melt into his arms and shut out everyone else.  

…….

A/N: a little double trouble with Rebecca's return?  Hopefully this will set Embry back on the path to being a good guy. Leave a comment and tell me what you think, please ♡

And check out my new fic, Love U Better (Than He Can)