𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

I'd opted to do online courses from the local community college this year since I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, but I needed to do something. It was only two weeks into the semester, but I could already tell it was going to be a breeze.

I was taking a math class, English 101, and psych 100. I was fairly sure I wanted to pursue either teaching or some sort of psychology degree, so these were the perfect beginner classes-- according to my advisor.

But today, school was the last thing on my mind. It was Is' birthday today and I was beyond excited to give her my gift. I got her a new sketch book and some charcoal. She'd been trying to get better at her art for awhile now but always thought she wasn't that good. But she did have talent. I hope she likes it.

I was at the Cullen's house early helping with prep for the party tonight. Of course Bella had no idea we were doing a party, she'd completely refuse if she thought we were up to anything. So that's why it was a surprise.

Emmett was in the garage working on the jeep even though it didn't need any fixing. Alice, Jasper, and Edward were at school with Bella and Carlisle was at work. It had been a peaceful day.

I'd gone to the shops with Esme this morning, picking up decorations for the house and ingredients for Bella's cake. I enjoyed Esme's company so much, she was such a motherly figure that I felt comforted by her presence.

Esme and I were working together to make a cake for Bella. It was vanilla with strawberries and a buttercream frosting, it was coming together beautifully. I was whipping the frosting while Esme cut the strawberries, a soft melody from the piano was playing throughout the house courtesy of Rosalie.

The living area was decorated in soft twinkle lights and a banner that read 'Happy Eighteenth Bella!' The party wouldn't be starting until 6pm. I still had to get ready and pick up Bella to drag her here, that was my job tonight. 

Once Esme and I finished decorating the cake, ensuring it was perfect, I gave the woman a hug bidding her goodbye. I made my way out to the garage where Emmett was still tinkering away.  "Hey Em," I gently interrupted his work, a smile on my lips as I took in the grease that was covering the front of his his shirt and the bit that was on his cheek.

His golden eyes met mine and his face pulled into a wide grin that he reserved for me. "Hey babe," Emmett wiped his hands on his shirt before meeting me half way, his hands going to my waist to pull me into him.

"I've gotta go get ready before Bell's party, I just wanted to say bye before I left," I slung my arms around his neck, having to stand on my tip toes to even get my hands to wrap behind his head and pull him down to my height.

He kissed me with everything in him, like he always did. Emmett Cullen's kiss was all consuming, stealing away my breath and making my heart race until I was sure it would beat right out of my chest. "I'll see you soon," He whispered against my lips before giving me another kiss.

I smiled up at him, dropping back onto my feet, "I love you."

"I love you more," He teased, turning back to his jeep.

I just rolled my eyes before leaving the garage and making my way to my car and headed back to the reservation.

I made my way through the front door of our small house, not expecting to see anyone since the truck was gone. But as I entered I noticed that Jake, Embry, and Quil were sitting on the sofa playing some video game on the TV.

"Hey guys," I greeted, putting my purse on the table and kicking my shoes off. It was 2:30 and I still had two and a half hours before I needed to pick up Bella and make sure she was ready.

Embry and Quil simultaneously greeted me, not turning their gazes away from the game. Jake looked up, glancing at me for half a second before turning back, "hey. Paul's waiting for you."

I furrowed my brows, looking around the small living space, where of course Paul wasn't waiting. "Is he out back?" I didn't see him in the driveway or on the porch when I pulled in.

"In your room, we didn't want him hanging out," Jake grumbled, still mad with Paul. The two used to be fine, the boys all getting along our entire childhood, but when Paul joined Sam's group, the guys had a falling out.

Jake, Embry, and Quil were under the impression that Paul, Sam and Jared were doing steroids and apart of some gang. Knowing the truth, it was kinda funny. But it sucked that my brother couldn't be in the same room as my best friend.

I let out a breath, "okay. Thanks for letting me know." I reached down and messed up Jake's hair as I passed by on my way to the stairs, chuckling as he grumbled in response.

My steps were quick as I made my way up the stairs, a smile pulling onto my face at the idea of seeing Paul. He'd been busy these last couple weeks, apparently he and they guys were needing to do more patrols than before because Sam had a feeling something bad was coming. I didn't like the idea of that, but at least I knew Paul was protected. Sam and Jared wouldn't let anything bad happen to him.

I pushed my door open, my eyes landing on Paul who had made himself comfortable. He was stretched out on my bed, shirtless mind you, with one of my stuffed animals held to his bare chest.

"You look comfy," I teased, raising a brow at the shifter before turning away from him and going to my closet. I grabbed a shirt that I had stolen from him at one point or another, tossing it at his face the moment I had it. "Get dressed."

Paul chuckled at me before sitting up and obeying my request, pulling the t-shirt over his head and down his torso that I was purposefully not looking at. It felt wrong to glance at his body, especially since I don't think Emmett would appreciate that very much.

Once he was clothed I moved over to my bed and sat down across from him, crossing my legs so they were crisscross. "Hello stranger," I greeted, my eyes scanning him head to toe for any injuries. "How's patrol going?"

Paul shrugged, leaning back against my head board. "It's fine, I guess. We haven't found anything yet, but Sam is insisting we keep patrolling the perimeter of the lands." 

I wet my lips, a feeling of unease settling over me. "What exactly does Sam think is coming?" 

He didn't answer right away, Paul's eyes focused on my blanket like it was the most interesting thing in the world. I wanted him to talk to me, to tell me what was bothering him. But he was Paul, he was stubborn and didn't like talking until he was ready. Pushing him would only make him shut down further, so as much as I wanted to pull the answers out of him, I sat patiently and waited. 

Paul's eyes finally shifted, chocolate brown meeting the blue of my own. "Sam senses something changing with the blood suckers, we don't think it's the Cullen's, but other's. Embry has already started to show early signs of shifting."

I furrowed my brows in confusion, "but what does Embry shifting have anything to do with more vampires being in town?"

"They're what trigger the shift, the more vamps, the more boys that will shift."

I nodded in understanding, letting out an anxious breath, "but you haven't found any evidence of them near us right?"

"No," Paul replied immediately, his eyes going hard, "you don't have to worry, Liv. I won't let anything happen to you. And I don't think Cullen will either."

A small smile pulled at my lips. Paul hated admitting that Emmett cared for me, it was like acid on his tongue the way he spit out the words. But it was nice to see that he was at least trying to be civil when my boyfriend was mentioned. 

"He won't." I agreed, "And I'm glad that you and the pack are here to protect everyone else. It's kind of concerning to think about more vampires showing up in Forks."

Paul made a noise of agreement, his eyes drifting again. I took a moment to look over his face, noting the way he had prominent bags under his eyes and he looked sick, his cheeks sunken in and his skin slightly pale. 

I furrowed my brows, "when's the last time you slept?" 

The shifter raised his shoulder in a shrug and my eyes went wide. "Has Sam been over working you? I swear, the next time I see him I'll--"

"Liv, I'm okay, really," Paul reassured right as a yawn left his lips.

I let out a breath, trying to calm my raising anxiety. "Okay, but you're taking a nap right now. I have to leave in two hours, so I'll wake you up then." I got up from the bed, grabbing the throw blanket I had draped over the end.

Paul only laughed lightly as I draped it over him, covering him with the soft grey blanket. "Okay, bossy."

I rolled my eyes before turning out the light to my room, "goodnight, Paul."

His eyes were already drooping shut, "'night, Liv."

"Bella, we have to go," I reminded for the twentieth time since I arrived at the Swan residence an hour prior. She was dressed and ready, it was getting her feet to move out the door that was the problem.

She looked beautiful in the dress Alice picked out. It was an evergreen color with black embellishments and had a modest neckline with a flared skirt that came to a stop at her knees. Bella paired the dress with a black short sleeve over coat and her converse. She did let me curl her hair and put on minimal makeup, but she looked gorgeous.

I felt over dressed compared to her, but I knew the rest of the Cullen's were dressing to the nines, excited to have an excuse to celebrate. I was also wearing a dress gifted from Alice. It was black with a heart shaped neckline, a flared tea length skirt, and thin straps that tied into bows on my shoulders. I curled my hair similar to Bella's, tying half of mine up with a black ribbon.

Bella was pacing back and forth in front of her bed, not wanting to leave. "What's going on with you, you're usually jumping at the chance to hangout with the Cullen's."

She sent me an uneasy look before taking a breath and explaining, "I had a dream last night that I got all old and Edward was still young and... it freaked me out, okay? I don't want to get all old and wrinkly while he stays beautiful."

I rolled my lips between my teeth to stop from laughing, now definitely wasn't the time to giggle over the image of a wrinkly Bella. I took a steadying breath, "You want to be with Edward forever, right?" She nodded, "And Alice has confirmed that she's seen a future where you and Edward are both vampires. I think it's safe to say you don't have to worry about getting wrinkly."

Bella took a breath before nodding, "okay, you're right."

I nodded, "of course I am, now, let's go get our party on."