AN: first thing first, thank you for all the nice reviews it has been a while since I wrote something and it was really heartwarming to know that there were people out there that liked my other fictions and that were happy to read a new one from me.

With this story I had two options, one to try to take Bella through Twilight so meeting James and barely escaping then to have Paul kill him and Victoria after Bella because of Paul. Or two to let them be happy and enjoy each other with eventually an epilogue a few years down the road. As of now, with the poll the majority that voted asked for an epilogue. I have a few ideas for other stories with other wolves, but we'll see. So this is a final chapter, and eventually we'll have an epilogue.

Should I change my mind I can still pick it up from where I left it.

12.

Bella looked at Paul, they were sitting in her truck, and she couldn't keep her eyes off him. It seemed that it was the same for him, he was holding her hand looking like he needed the contact.

Then swiftly he pulled her in his arms. "I missed you little Swan. I have to thank you for the food and the messages as well. I'm glad that you had so much faith in me not to give up before getting an explanation. I must admit that even if Sam had ordered me to end our relationship I don't think I could have done it. I'm glad however that I imprinted on you."

"I never thought that such a great commitment would be something I wanted, but I'm happy to be your other half." She whispered. Part of her wanted to tell him all about her previous life, to share with him all of her worries, but she knew that it was a burden she had to keep only on her shoulders.

"Let's get inside, and we'll have time to talk some more. Then I'll take you home and after I'll go to patrol." He said.

They entered his house, she looked around curiously and she liked what she saw, everything wasn't new or shiny, but it was homey. Paul led her to the sofa and after sitting he pulled her on his lap. Bella settled comfortably in his warm arms. "How have you taken all these new happenings in your life?"

Paul sighed. "Honestly? At first I was so angry that I attacked Sam and Jared repeatedly. Then after a while I understood the importance of being a wolf, but I couldn't phase back because I was still angry at Sam that wanted to keep me away from you, and at the thought that you went to school with the Cullens."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you." She whispered sadly.

"You were there Bella, when I read your message, I knew you would be back. That gave me the strength to finally phase back. Now, what do you think about the imprint?" He asked her.

"Well… I'm not fond of you not having the choice to love me, but I'm extremely happy to know that we'll be happy together. For the marking… I think I need some more time, I want it to be something meaningful." She told him.

"Bella, loving you will always be a choice. For me it was love at first sight, when I saw you looking so beautiful on the beach at the bonfire." He said looking at her with a warmth in his eyes that made her feel butterflies in her stomach.

"I didn't stand a chance not to fall in love with you, when I met your eyes at the bonfire I couldn't not love you. I was really meant for you." She told him.

He kissed her then, and she kissed him back. She had been destined for Paul, she had crossed time and went through death just for him. She was his, and there was no fear not to be enough. She was just what he needed, and she would stand at his side and at his wolf's side forever.

"You know that before being able to live together we'll have to finish school? Plus you need to come for dinner with my dad. Although he told me that he likes you, now that you've grown this much I'm not so sure he'll let me date you." She joked.

He laughed, and pulled her closer. "I would like to see anyone trying to take you away from me. As you aptly said to Sam, I'm ready to pass on anyone's body for you."

Bella smiled, knowing full well that he really meant it, Paul was never going to leave her for her 'own good' or ask her not to be friends with people only because they were different. "What about the marking?"

"As you said, I'm not in a hurry either, I want it to be for love rather than fear. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to keep my wolf at bay, but I agree with you in waiting a little bit longer. Until then me and the pack will protect you, no one will harm you on our watch." He growled.

Bella nodded, hoping that this time around she didn't have to meet James or Victoria. She hoped that the nomads would leave sooner rather than later, and everything would go back to normal. "Sam should ask the Cullens to leave, no more Quileultes should have to phase for their selfishness."

"I'll bring it up to Sam, though Embry and Jacob are starting to show the signs." He said thoughtfully. "Perhaps if they leave now the phasing will stop, it's up to Sam, but I'll try to push him in that direction."

She chuckled. "We're going to annoy him on everything."

He laughed. "Yeah, stubbornness doesn't cover either of our characters."

He then took her head in his hands, and turned towards him. "Just for the record… if you didn't catch it before… I love you little Swan."

Her eyes softened. "Just for the record, I love you too Fido."