chapter seventeen
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Serena's expression turned frustrated as she heard Paul's revelation. "I'm sorry, what did you say?" she asked with a frown. Paul had just informed her that Sam and Jacob had revealed to the pack that they were going to fight against a vampire newborn army.
Paul leaned against the railing outside the Black household and let out a deep sigh. He had been advised against telling Serena, particularly by Jacob, but he didn't feel comfortable keeping her in the dark.
"Paul," Serena began in a low voice, "You know you didn't have to tell me this, especially since you probably got strict orders not to tell me." Serena mumbled as she leaned on the railing next to Paul, but she couldn't help but feel appreciative of his choice to share the news with her.
Paul turned to look at her and a small smile formed on his face. "I feel better knowing you know, Serena," he said as he draped an arm over her shoulder, pulling her closer so she could lean against him. "You're not just Jacob's big sister, you care about all the boys and Leah. And I bet you'd want to be with Emily when we all go out to the fight."
Serena let out a soft chuckle, "I'm sure Jake is going to be angry with you for telling me."
Paul turned his gaze towards her, raising a hand to her cheek. "Tell me how you really feel," he repeated, his eyes searching hers.
Serena met his gaze, and her face fell as she confessed her fear. "I'm absolutely terrified, Paul," she admitted. "I don't know much about vampires except for the legends we grew up hearing as kids. But a 'Newborn'? It sounds so much more than just a simple battle. It sounds like you might be walking into your possible death, and I know I shouldn't be thinking like that, but all of this could have been avoided if the Cullens had never involved themselves with humans."
"You're right," Paul agreed, his voice laced with resignation. "We can't change the past. It's happened, and we can't undo it now."
Serena closed her eyes, resting her forehead against his. "Just be safe, Paul, and all of you," she whispered. Paul responded with a hum, and they embraced the silence together, both feeling the shared fear and anxiety that hung heavy between them.
Paul couldn't help but feel a strong desire for this situation to be over and done with so he could finally focus on his life and his growing connection with Serena. He felt like he wanted things to develop between them because of who he was and not purely because his life was constantly in jeopardy. He wanted to show her his true self, separate from the danger and the threat.
The silence between them was warm and comforting, despite the underlying tension and fear that still lingered in the air. Paul gently tightened his arm around Serena's shoulder, pulling her closer as if he was trying to protect her from something.
Paul suggested, "Hey, the guys and I are all going to spend the remainder of the week with our families and loved ones. How about we spend it together?"
Serena couldn't help but smirk at his suggestion. "An entire week, huh? You're quite confident that I'll spend seven whole days solely with you," she teased, her eyes sparkling with humor.
"Yes, seven days, spending every second together, while you pick at every little flaw of mine," he teased exaggeratingly.
Serena playfully shoved him with a huff, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Excuse you, Mr Rude!" she retorted, her voice laced with mock offense.
Paul took the opportunity to tickle her, and soon he was chasing her around the yard. She shrieked and laughed, pleading with him to stop. "No, Paul, stop!" she giggled as he continued the playful pursuit.
Billy, Rachel, and Jacob were gazing out from the window, watching the pair play around in the yard. The males were still not fully convinced of Paul, remembering the pain he had caused Serena in the past. But they had come to the realization that if Serena was genuinely happy again, they would support her, even if it was with the very person who had once broken her heart.
Rachel hummed thoughtfully, her eyes watching Paul and Serena frolic around in the yard. "If things work out," she said, "Serena will end up back home."
Billy and Jacob glanced at Rachel, their expressions a mix of resignation and acceptance. They knew that, like it or not, Paul had become a part of Serena's life again.
"It's tough to fight fate, isn't it," Billy noted, his voice gruff yet thoughtful.
Jacob stayed silent, his expression tight, clearly not entirely pleased with the idea of Paul being back in Serena's life.
"I know you boys have your issues with Paul," Rachel began, her voice gentle. "But look at Serena. She's genuinely happy. Doesn't that count for something?"
Billy and Jacob exchanged a look, knowing Rachel had a point. Despite their misgivings, they loved Serena, and her happiness mattered more than anything.
"Still doesn't sit right with me," Jacob muttered, his voice low and gruff.
Billy nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on Serena and Paul. "We just worry that he'll hurt her again," he said quietly.
Rachel nodded, placing a comforting hand on their shoulders. "I get it," she said softly. "But sometimes, people make mistakes. Maybe Paul has grown and changed. Maybe he won't hurt her this time."
Jacob's expression softened slightly, and he let out a reluctant sigh. "I hope you're right," he mumbled.
Billy remained silent for a moment before finally nodding his head once. "We just want her to be happy," he stated gruffly.
Rachel smiled, happy that they were at least trying to understand and accept the situation. "And we can see she is," she replied. "For now, let's just give them a chance, okay?"
Jacob still looked unconvinced, but he nodded reluctantly. "Fine," he grumbled. "But I'm keeping my eye on him."
Billy chuckled slightly, seeing Jacob's protective instincts kicking in. "You do that, son," he said with a hint of amusement.
Rachel rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "You sound like a protective big brother," she teased Jacob, who shot her a glare.
"I am a protective little brother," he retorted, his voice firm.
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