𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲

A week after Bella and I went to the movies, things seemed to be back to normal. At least, for the most part. 

We were texting every day, from a simple check-in text to short conversations about how her day was going and mine. They were short, but a major improvement to the past few months. I wanted to see more of her, to spend more time with her, like before, but I knew I couldn't press too hard. She needed time. 

Paul was doing more patrols this week since Sam was busy helping Embry adjust to the transition, and it was only him and Jared on patrol. I didn't understand why patrol was such a big deal since the Cullen's were gone and they were the only vampires in town, but I didn't question it. 

I decided to spend some much-needed time at home with Jake and my dad. Having been staying with Paul so much over the last few weeks, I hadn't gotten to spend as much time with them as I'd like. Both of them were more than happy to have me back. 

This morning my dad made pancakes—this was a weekly tradition since I was little. The kitchen smelled like butter and coffee and something just slightly overcooked, but it was familiar. Comforting. I leaned against the counter while Jake set the table, both of us still a little slow-moving from sleep.

"You want some?" Dad asked, flipping another pancake onto the growing stack.

"Yeah," I said, nodding slowly, though my stomach wasn't exactly on board. I sat down as Jake dropped into the chair beside me, already halfway through pouring syrup like he was prepping for war.

The plate in front of me looked good—golden edges, fluffy center—but I didn't reach for it right away. I picked up my fork, twirling it between my fingers. I wasn't nauseous, just... not hungry. Which was weird, considering I hadn't eaten since dinner last night.

"You okay?" Jake asked without looking up, already digging in. "You look kinda spaced."

"Just tired," I mumbled. "Didn't sleep great."

It wasn't a total lie. I'd woken up around four for no real reason, then tossed around until the sky started to lighten. I figured it was due to Paul being out on patrol and me missing his warmth beside me, either way, I was exhausted. 

Dad slid into his spot with a grunt, mug in hand. "Well, sit still long enough today and you'll make up for it. That's my plan." I laughed, finally cracking a smile at dad's attempt at a joke. 

I finally took a bite. It tasted fine, maybe a little bland. I added more syrup.

Jake started complaining about Embry being gone and hanging out with Sam and his gang, and Dad chimed in with his usual denial of Sam being in a gang. I, of course, didn't say anything on the matter. I hated lying to my brother, but I also couldn't tell him the truth. Besides, I was a bit too tired for the usual breakfast conversation. My head felt just a little foggy. Nothing major. Probably the weather. Probably my lack of sleep. 

I barely touched my plate at breakfast, just pushing around my food until it was time to clean up. I did the dishes and then made myself a cup of coffee, but even that didn't sound good. I ended up just holding the warm mug in my hands while sitting in the garage with Jake, watching him organize his tools--which was really just him moving them out of their place jut to put them right back again. 

I was so zoned out I didn't notice Bella's truck pulling up until Jake hit my leg and motioned to the orange truck. 

My brows furrowed, but I set my coffee down and went out to greet my best friend. "Is, I didn't know you were coming today." I said, giving the brunette a small smile as I walked out of the garage. 

Bella smiled, shrugging. "Yeah, well... I came to see Jake."

My eyes widened, my steps faltering for a moment in surprise. Jake? "My brother, Jake?" I asked in confusion. 

Bella opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the boy himself was coming out, smiling at her. "Bella!" He greeted with a wide smile, quickly rushing over to her and bringing her into a hug. 

I shook myself out of my surprise, deciding I didn't care enough to question whatever Bella was doing here and why it involved my brother and not me. She was out of the house and that's all that mattered. And honestly? I was too tired to entertain my brunette friend today. 

"Well, if you two are going to hang out, I'm going to go see Emily," I said absently, not really caring if either were listening. I'd promised Emily that I'd help her with some baking, or, well, handing her ingredients and keeping her company while she did the baking. 

Emily didn't trust me in her kitchen after an incident three weeks ago where I nearly burned down the house while trying to cook a casserole. To be fair, I did warn her I wasn't good in the kitchen prior to the instant. She just didn't believe me until she saw it for herself.

Bella and Jake paid me no mind as I started walking down toward Emily and Sam's house. The sun had barely made it through the cloud cover, casting everything in that usual, grey-washed Forks light, and the chill in the air clung to my skin more than usual. I rubbed my arms absently as I walked.

By the time I got to the porch, I could already smell cinnamon and something buttery in the air—comfort in scent form. Emily answered the door with a warm smile, flour on her cheek and a smudge of chocolate on the front of her apron.

"Right on time," she said. "I've got some cookies cooling and a pie in the oven. We still have to make the blueberry muffins for Jared and the brownies for Paul. Think you can be trusted near a whisk today?"

"Only if you're emotionally prepared to throw it out after," I tease, stepping inside and toeing off my shoes.

She laughed, leading me into the kitchen. "That bad, huh?"

"Worse." And it wasn't an exaggeration. For some reason me and cooking didn't mix and trust me, I'd tried. The only thing I could seem to make was boxed mac n cheese and even that didn't turn out well half the time. 

I settled onto one of the stools at the counter, watching as she moved effortlessly between bowls and trays, making enough to feed a small army--which was fitting since those boys could eat about the same as one. I wondered how much we'd be making once the rest of the guys shifted. 

Like the dutiful helper, I handed her ingredients as she called for them—flour, sugar, something that might've been nutmeg. At one point, the smell of vanilla hit stronger than I expected, and I wrinkled my nose slightly, surprised by how strong it was.

"You alright?" Emily asked, glancing up as she stirred. "You're quiet today."

"Just tired," I said, offering her a small smile. "I haven't been sleeping well with Paul on patrol more often."

She nodded, not pressing. "You look a little pale. Want some tea? I've got ginger, peppermint, chamomile..."

"Peppermint's fine," I said, giving Emily a small smile, she was always so sweet. 

She handed me a mug a few minutes later, and I wrapped my hands around it even though I hadn't taken a sip yet. My stomach was a little unsettled, not enough to bother me too much, but enough that I didn't really want to eat or drink anything. I probably ate something funny yesterday. 

We fell into a comfortable silence as I held the warm mug, letting the steamy peppermint scent soothe me. I was enjoying the peaceful quiet too, my eyes had even begun to droop a bit as I sat on the stool, but the peace was quickly interrupted as the door to the house burst open and with it, the boisterous voices of the boys. 

My eyes blinked wide awake a I heard Paul and Jared come in, laughing and shoving each other. 

"Careful, no rough housing inside, I can't have my house getting destroyed because you boys are stronger than you think," Emily chastised with a smile on her face as she pulled a tray of sweets out of the oven. 

I tried to shake myself out of my groggy trance as Paul came up behind me, dropping a kiss to the side of my face. My heart leapt, my body relaxing for the first time in days. I really had missed him. 

"Hey," he murmured, voice low and warm like always. He let his hand rest on my shoulder for a beat longer than usual, thumb brushing lightly against my neck, right over the mark he'd left there. My skin prickled under the attention. 

I gave him a sleepy smile and tilted my head back just enough to look at him. "Hey."

"You okay?" he asked quietly, eyes scanning my face like he was taking inventory. Probably noticing the dark bags I was certain were there.

I nodded, sitting up a bit straighter, trying to look more awake. I didn't want to worry him; he had enough going on as is. "Just tired. It's warm in here." I gave a smile, trying to lighten the mood and act like my usual self. "I think Emily's trying to slow roast me."

She snorted from the oven. "You say that like it's a bad thing. You looked half-asleep five minutes ago."

"I was enjoying the peace," I said, narrowing my eyes at Paul and Jared as they both made a beeline for the cookies on the counter. "Until the stampede showed up."

Jared grinned around a mouthful of chocolate chip. "You love us."

"Debatable." I teased, but we all knew it was a lie. I had a soft spot for the pack; they were my family before any of this supernatural stuff and now the supernatural stuff only served to solidified that even more. 

Paul didn't look convinced by my deflection. He brushed a strand of hair from my face and gave me a once-over. "You're pale."

"I just haven't been sleeping well," I finally relent, giving a small shrug. "But you're off in two days, I'll be okay until then."

He still frowned, eyes narrowing slightly like he was debating whether to push or let it go. I could practically feel the tension roll through him—a protective instinct he hadn't quite figured out what to do with.

"I'm fine," I said again, gentler this time. I reached up to give his hand a squeeze before he could overthink it. "Really. I'm just tired."

He nodded, but it was slow, reluctant. He kissed my temple again before moving toward Jared, finally giving in to whatever nonsense his friend was rambling about.

I let out a small breath, wrapping my hands back around my now-lukewarm tea. I didn't like worrying Paul, or anyone for that matter. My stomach had settled a little, but not completely, and there was still this low hum of fatigue running through me that I couldn't shake. Maybe I needed a nap?

Emily passed by behind me and gently placed her hand on my back, just for a second. "Let me know if you need anything, okay?"

I nodded. "I'm good, Em. Promise."

But I didn't miss the quick glance she exchanged with Paul across the kitchen.

And I didn't know why it made my skin prickle just a little.

Two days later I was beyond ready to see Paul. Unfortunately, my exhaustion had gotten the better of me and I was too tired to do much more than lie in bed with my boyfriend and watch movies. Thankfully Paul didn't seem to mind. 

He had one arm draped across my waist, his fingers tracing lazy circles over the hem of my shirt as we watched some mindless action movie Jared had been raving about for the last few weeks. It wasn't nearly as good as he promised. 

I wasn't really paying attention, my eyes heavy and my body practically melting into Paul's side. His warmth something I had been desperately missing over these last few days. 

Paul chuckled, his breath tickling the side of my face. "Someone's tired," He teased, placing a kiss to my head. 

I made a soft noise in response and shrugged. "I haven't been sleeping well with you on patrol all night."

Paul hummed, not saying anything else, just pressing another kiss to my head. His hand slid a little higher under my shirt, fingertips brushing across my ribcage as he pressed a kiss to the side of my neck.

I sighed, my body relaxing even more, my eyes fluttering closed as Paul rolled over me, his body braced above mine. Paul kissed up my neck and across my jaw, slowly bringing his lips up to mine. 

His kiss was slow and unhurried, and I moaned softly into his mouth, kissing him back just as languid. 

Paul's touch on my skin shifted up, his hand moving over my breast. As he kneaded my flesh, I winced, making a sound of discomfort as I pulled back from the kiss. 

My breast hurt. It wasn't a sharp pain, but a dull ache that made me take pause, just enough to make him pause.

His hand froze and Paul's eyes went wide as he looked down at me. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, I just—" I sat up a little, adjusting my shirt like that might help. "I don't know. My boobs are just sore or something. They've been like that the last few days."

Paul's brows furrowed in concern. "Sore how?"

"Just... sensitive." I shrugged, pulling a face. "Probably PMS or something." I was due for my period any day now... I think, I'd have to check my calendar later. 

His eyes narrowed slightly, like he wanted to say more, but I reached for the blanket and snuggled back into his chest before he could. "Sorry," I mumbled. "I'm just kind of out of it today."

Paul let out a small breath and wrapped his arms around me again, his chin resting on the top of my head. I felt his thumb brush slow circles against my hip, his touch steady and familiar.

"Maybe you should see a doctor or something," he said after a moment, voice low.

I frowned. "For being tired and having sore boobs? That's a pretty standard part of being a girl, Paul."

"No you just, you haven't been yourself lately," he said. "And your scent is... off." He ran his hand through my hair, trying to soothe me. 

My eyes widened in surprise, "My scent is off? Do I stink?" I ask a little worriedly. 

Paul gave a low chuckle, the sound rumbling from his chest and through me. "No, not like that. You don't stink."

I lifted up off his chest to glance up at him, only half-convinced. "You sure? You're not just being nice?"

"If I thought you smelled bad, I'd tell you. And then you'd probably hit me with a pillow for saying it," he added, smirking.

I huffed a quiet laugh and settled back against his chest, pulling the blanket up a little higher. He wasn't wrong. 

"You just smell... different," he said after a pause, quieter this time. "Not bad. Just not the same."

I didn't know what to do with that, so I stayed quiet. I didn't understand enough about the mate bond and why my scent would change. Maybe it was because we'd completed the bond? That had to change my scent a bit, right? Maybe he was just smelling himself. 

Either way, I didn't get much more time to think about it before I was falling into a dreamless sleep.

A/N: Hmm... I wonder what's going on with Olivia... any theories? (Next chapter is almost done, I'm just going to write all night and post whatever I get done as it's finished)