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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 around, Bridget found it very hard to be excited for her first day at La Push High for multiple different reasons.

Some part of her was very nervous that maybe her high hopes for this place will be shattered and it will turn out just like Forks. She won't be able to stick to herself, she will be talked about and harassed, mostly by immature boys. She fears they will all target her for being an outsider, considering this was a tribal school. Despite seeing non-natives around, it was still a concern, one she really should have taken into consideration.

All she wants is to be left alone. Maybe she can join the choir for an after school activity, if it didn't interfere with her work schedule. It was just another way to keep her out of that house.

That is where the main reason for her not so happy attitude played in. Things were not at all great with the Cullen's at the moment and Bridget was doing everything in her power to avoid them as much as possible. After that big fight she had experienced, she wasn't in the mood to be in any of their companies, most specifically Edward's.

At the moment, Bridget was currently sitting in the office waiting for the principal to call her in. According to Mrs. Beesley at the front desk, he apparently wants to introduce himself and go over a few things with her before class starts. So here she was, waiting patiently, the bell wasn't scheduled to ring for another fifteen minutes. Bridget had gotten here early to get a feel of the school and came to the conclusion that Jared had been right, this school was not big at all. In fact, out of all the high schools she attended, this might actually be the smallest by far.

While she waited, she tried really hard to entertain herself by reading, but not even Jamie Fraser could distract her from thinking about what went down a couple days ago. Everything is been screwed up and it's all Edward's fault.

✿

Bridget was currently in her room, the double doors of her balcony opened to let the fresh air in, giving a nice, comforting breeze. The sun was just about setting and Bridget thought it was a good opportunity to practice her dance routine she was choreographing herself. Not like she has anything to practice for, but she hasn't danced while playing the violin in a very long time.

Her room was a lot bigger than what she is normally used to. It reminded her of the bedroom she had at her father's estate back in Chicago. Back then she had many possessions to fill up the room to make it her own. Now, her bedroom consisted of a queen bed, a dresser, desk, and her very large bookcase. She had a couple records, but her collection is not as big as it once was. Besides, Edward seems to enjoy music almost as much as she does, so he will let her borrow if she ever asks.

Bridget has never asked.

Bridget wasn't the best ballet dancer out there, but she was pretty good in her opinion. She only learned it recently, back in '86. She needed a new hobby and Alex was convincing her to try new things. It is actually something she grew to really enjoy and something Alex loved seeing in his old age, he claims.

When she was in New York only a couple years ago, she saw a street performer playing the violin and dancing as well. Apparently it is pretty popular and Bridget remembers being entranced by the beauty and grace of it all.

So she has been trying to teach herself since. She was already very gifted on the violin, but adding the dance moves was very tricky. When she does this, she likes to push her bed to the corner and roll up the purple rug Esme had gotten for her for her birthday so she has more room. She had even put on a pair of her tights and black leotard to make it easier to dance in.

Bridget had picked a simple song, one of Alex's favorites. It was one of her original pieces that she named 'Ocean Wide' which had its very own story behind it, one she made up, of course. It just came to her in a dream and suddenly she was creating the music for it the next morning.

It is about a girl who is rejected by her family and society and doesn't feel like her life has any meaning until she meets a sailor who introduces to an ocean full of infinite possibilities. They marry and sail for years, pretty much living on the ocean where she finally felt free.

It wasn't the most interesting story in the world, but it is what inspired the song she played.

It was a bit cheesy but Alex always claimed it was one of her best works and he always found himself in tears listening to it. Now trying to create a dance piece to fit it was a bit hard, but she seemed to have managed to figure out half of the dance and it wasn't terrible, so that's a plus.

Bridget was about to start over from the beginning when suddenly loud shouts interrupted her concentration, followed by the sound of glass shattering. It was startling because this house is supposed to be completely soundproof, according to the others. She couldn't make out what they were saying exactly, but she could swear it sounded like Rosalie.

Concern and slight curiosity piqued her interest, so much so that Bridget found herself placing her violin on the bed and immediately raced downstairs where the commotion seems to be taking place. As she got closer, she was able to make out what they were saying better and followed their voices into the living room.

"You are so unbelievably selfish, Edward!" Rosalie yelled, Bridget entering just in time to see her friend standing right in front of Edward's face. He looked a bit jumbled and even a bit distraught.

Heels clicked against the wooden floor and Bridget turned to see Esme entering the room from the kitchen with a dustpan and broom. She goes over to the couch where the white vase she had there and started cleaning up.

So that explains what the crash was all about, but not what has got everyone clearly so upset. Even Alice looked worried and was pacing back and forth. Bridget steps further into the room, a bit nervous. "What is going on?"

Almost half of them turned to Bridget as Edward turned, running a hand through his hair stressfully. Rosalie threw her hands up in utter disbelief and went back to stand by Emmett as Carlisle, who seemed to be the most calm out of everyone, turned to the blonde. "It seems Edward has informed Bella Swan of our secret."

Pure shock spread across the blonde's face, blue eyes widened and jaw even went slack, looking back at Edward who was now leaning against the wall by the stairs, arms crossed and face blank of emotion. "What? Are you serious? You told her that you all are vampires?"

Edward didn't even get the chance to reply before Rosalie sneered, "Yes and he has screwed us all!"

"Why would you do that? What the hell were you thinking?" Bridget demanded, panic filling her chest. "How much did you tell her? Did you tell her about me as well?"

"No, I didn't." Is all Edward says. Bridget doesn't know how to feel about all of this. This is very, very bad. What if they move? They haven't been here for two years yet.

"Did you even think about us when you told her?" Emmett questioned, standing beside Jasper who looks like he might have been the one to break the vase.

"Of course I did," Edward admitted, pushing himself off the wall. "And I told you, I didn't tell her. She figured it out all on her own."

"And how did she figure it out?" Rosalie demanded. "Was it when you could barely control yourself in class on her first day here? Or was it when you nearly exposed yourself to the whole school by saving her from that van? Or was it when you stalked her to Port Angeles last night and told her you were a mind reader? At which part when you were so unbelievably reckless do you think your precious human put the damn pieces together?"

Bridget turned back to the most idiotic vampire in the room. "You followed her to Port Angeles? What the hell, Edward?"

"I was not about to let her die or get raped! I thought you of all people would understand that, Rosalie!" Edward sneered, completely ignoring Bridget. Before she could even blink, Rosalie was swinging but Edward managed to block it by pushing her back.

Emmett grabbed his mate protectively and sneered at Edward. Esme used vamp speed and was suddenly standing between the three of them. "Enough of this. You all are acting like children. There is nothing we can do about this now. I think we all need to separate and talk about this when we've calmed down."

Carlisle stood straight. "Esme's right. We are all clearly upset and need time to collect ourselves."

Bridget felt so sick to her stomach. Watching all of them fight like that, she has never seen it before. Sure, she knows about their supernatural advantages, like speed and strength, but she has never seen them use them for violence before. It made her so nauseous, the thought that they can tear her to shreds if they slip off their 'diet' entered her brain. Worse, an innocent human. The fact that there are other vampires who kill to live is a hard pill for Bridget to swallow. Sometimes she does forget who she chooses to live with. She forgets they are predators. Unnatural beings in this world.

It caused her own anger to build up inside her chest at the thought of Bella Swan being dragged into this. That stupid girl. She told her to stay away. She told her to mind her own damn business. She clearly is just as reckless as the vampire she is obsessed with. Clearly idiotic as well.

"Do you mind keeping your thoughts to yourself?" Edward suddenly snapped, gaining everyone's attention but was clear his outburst was directed at Bridget.

Bridget wasn't even surprised by his words, though his mind reading ability still freaks her out from time to time. The blonde turned to the taller vampire and crossed her arms. "If you don't like what I'm thinking, then stay out of my head."

Edward's jaw clenched as he narrowed his darkening eyes down at her. "We get it, alright? You don't approve of any of this but may I remind you that you aren't exactly a part of this family or the discussions. I know better than anyone how you really feel about us."

"Edward." Esme chastised, stunned by her adoptive son's words, even if they were technically accurate.

But Bridget just held her hand up to the older woman and shook her head softly. "No, it's okay, Esme. He's right."

Standing up straight, Bridget took a step towards the brooding vampire and let everything she had bottled up spill out and she did it without tearing her gaze from Edward's steer glare. "Yes, I feel uncomfortable sometimes being here with all of you. Yes, I feel like an outsider looking in most of the time. Yes, I am not a member of this family and I will never truly be."

Silence fell around the room, none of them daring to speak as she continued.

"But that doesn't mean I am not grateful to you all for taking me in, because I am. I am so grateful for all of you." She pauses, finally looking at the rest of them with a small smile on her lips. "Being with you all makes me feel a little less alone in this dark, cruel world. I may not agree with the supernatural or the lifestyle, but despite my morals, I know you all are good people. And I trust you."

She turns back to Edward and sneers. "I am not a vampire. I am just a human who is cursed. But I swear to god, Edward, if you force an innocent human to be cursed like the rest of us, if you damn her like the rest of us, I will make you regret it. If you take away her right... I don't know how but I will find a way to destroy you. Are we clear?"

✿

Edward never replied. Just stared down at the blonde, frozen like a statue for what felt like a full minute before he turned and went upstairs. Esme had pulled Bridget in for a hug to comfort her, but Bridget just apologized profusely for her outburst and excused herself, locking herself in her bedroom.

It has been hard for her to look any of them in the eyes since.

Eight years. Eight years she has been with the Cullens and she has managed to keep her feelings about them bottled up, all for them to come pouring out just because she is upset with Edward. Things have been very awkward in the house now, mostly with everyone besides Rosalie.

According to the gorgeous female, who is the only one Bridget has truly spoken to since that night, they were not moving and decided to trust Edward and his judgment of the girl. Rosalie was clearly not happy about this call, and if Bridget was being honest, neither was she but on the plus side, they weren't leaving Forks just yet. Apparently Carlisle wants Edward to see where things go with Bella, mainly because they all believe she was his mate.

Mates. That's another thing Bridget doesn't truly understand about their world. Esme tried explaining the concept to her once, that they are like soulmates. They are bound together for life. It made little sense how Bella could be Edward's cantante and mate. Like how can he go from wanting to drain her of her blood to possibly loving her?

It all made zero sense to her.

But Bridget decided to keep her opinions to herself. She already spoke more than she ever had and now the Cullens know how she truly feels about living with them. Judging by their reactions the other night, it seemed they already kind of knew how she felt, and a part of her might have known that. But having it all out in the open, it just shifted the atmosphere with them. At least it did for her.

"Miss Clark?" The sound of Mrs. Beesley's voice startled her out of her deep thoughts, looking up to see the woman smile down at her. "Mr. Claw will see you now."

Nodding her head in thanks, Bridget showed her book into her bag and walked into the room, pasting a smile on her lips as she locked eyes with an older gentleman sitting at his desk. He was around Martha's age, but looked a bit older. He had extremely long raven black hair, and the usual copper tan skin she is used to seeing on the reservation.

Now Bridget has not had the pleasure of meeting Martha's husband but in the time she has been working with the woman at the library, she has learned a few things. One of them being her husband has an identical twin brother, one she still has trouble telling apart some days which she made Bridget swear she'd never repeat those words.

Mr. Claw was a handsome looking man. When he stood, Bridget was a bit intimidated by how tall he was, a little over six foot at most. He held out his hand and gave a welcoming smile plastered on his lips. "Bridget Clark. It's nice to meet you."

Bridget didn't hesitate to take his hand and return the gesture. "A pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Claw."

"Please, have a seat." He motions to the chair sitting in front of the desk while he takes his place behind it and pulls out a file. "So I have your schedule all worked up here, we tried to match your classes from Forks High through the transcripts you dropped off to the office the other day but unfortunately we do not have a lot of electives so instead of computer science which I saw you were taking, I drawn up a list here of other electives I think you will find to your liking just as much."

Bridget took the paper and studied her options. She has taken almost every class on this list, all except one which she never really thought she'd be interested in but who knows? Maybe she'd actually like the class.

"I think I will pick Introduction to Woodworking," she informs, handing him back the paper.

"Excellent choice," Mr. Claw simply types into his computer for a couple seconds before hitting print. "Here is your schedule and a basic map of the school, though no one has ever really gotten lost here. This is your locker number and combo and I am going to write you a pass in case you do get lost and end up being late, you can have your teachers see this and they will let you go."

Bridget simply nodded and took everything he handed to her. When silence fell, she looked up at the male before her. "Is that all?"

Mr. Claw nodded. "Yes, that is all."

Bridget nodded in appreciation as she got up and headed towards the door, ready to start her day. Before she could leave, Mr. Claw called out to her. "Miss Clark." Bridget turned back towards the principle. "Martha informed me of your situation at the other school. I hope you have a better experience at La Push High. If you have any problems, please don't hesitate to come see me personally."

Albeit he meant well, Bridget felt slightly uncomfortable with the offer, but not in any inappropriate way. She just hated how weak it made her sound. The fact that gossip, rumors and stares bother her so much that she decided to change schools. She may look seventeen years old, but was not a child. She shouldn't let these things affect her so much.

She needs to be stronger. She has to be stronger. Cause the next school is hopefully not for another couple years, that is if Edward Cullen doesn't do anything to ruin it.

><><><

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄, as well as the teachers forcing her to introduce herself in every class. It wasn't so bad, basically all she had to say was her name or the teachers did it for her. She's been to schools where they made her recite her entire autobiography. Still, it did not help the curious glances from the students and whispers.

Bridget is not naive. She knew moving to a new school, especially one smaller than Forks, wasn't going to stop the stares. She just hoped and prayed that it would be less since she is not linked to the unnatural beautiful siblings that usually follow her into the school. She can handle the curious stares, just as long as they don't last and everyone understands her need to be left alone.

When lunch rolled around, Bridget found herself outside her locker, stuffing all the new textbooks she received into it to lighten her load. She grabbed her iPod from her bag as well as her book, just so they were easily accessible for the lunch period where she plans on finding a nice quiet place for someone in the cafeteria and eating while listening to music. Hopefully she can focus without thinking of all the drama that is waiting for her when school lets out.

A tap on her shoulder grabbed her attention just as she was closing her locker. She spun and was met by a familiar looking girl. It took her a few seconds to pinpoint where she knew her from and she remembered her from the beach on Wednesday who was hanging with Sam and Jared. Bridget tried to rack her brain for her name, but was coming up blank. She knows she heard Jared say it, but couldn't exactly recall what it was.

"Hi," she says shyly, her cheek turning a bit pink as she clenches the handles of her backpack. "You're Bridget, right? We're in AP Cal together."

Bridget was surprised by this, but didn't question since she wasn't really paying the other students any mind in any of her classes. "Oh, right. Sorry it's been a busy day."

"That's understandable. I can't imagine starting school in the middle of the semester." She expresses, before shaking her head. "I don't know if you remember but I saw you at the beach the other day. You were talking to my boyfriend and his friend."

Bridget nodded awkwardly. "Sam and Jared. Nice boys."

The girl grinned. "They are. Um, sorry I didn't introduce myself that day, but I saw my lab partner and needed to ask her about some notes for the upcoming test. I'm sorry, I just realized I never introduced myself. I'm Kim. Kim Conweller."

Ah, Kim. That's right.

"Nice to meet you, Kim."

"You too," she said genuinely. An awkward silence spread between them and Bridget didn't know what else to say and was kind of hoping Kim would excuse herself soon. When she thought Kim wasn't going to say anything, the brunette female perked up. "Do you want to sit with me at lunch? I normally sit with Jared and one of his friends but I'm sure they won't mind if you join."

Bridget let out a small sigh and gave a grateful but regrettable smile. "Uh, thanks for the offer, but I was actually going to sit outside."

Kim frowned suddenly. "But it's pouring out."

Of course it is. Bridget practically groaned before shrugging. "I meant I was going to eat in my car. I like privacy when I eat."

"Oh." Kim seemed a bit hurt and Bridget's conscience got the best of her.

"Please do not take it personally. I'm kind of a huge loner who likes to listen to music and read when I eat. It's very strange, I know but it's something that I just enjoy doing."

Kim seemed to buy it, because she was nodding in understanding. "Of course. I'm actually a loner myself. I only really hang out with Jared and his friends. I'm kind of a bit socially awkward, believe it or not."

The way she was fidgeting and rocking back and forth on her heels, Bridget wasn't exactly surprised by that statement. But she seemed like a very sweet girl, which makes it hard for Bridget to decline her offer. Befriending her risks the chance of actually caring about her as a friend, making leaving so much harder.

"It's okay. I am too, sometimes."

Kim playfully scoffed. "Yeah right. No one who is confident enough to wear a dress that gorgeous and heels in freezing cold weather, especially at school, is not considered socially awkward."

The blonde looked down at her attire. She chose to wear a long flowy gray dress with white dots with light tan wedges. It was one of her simplest dresses because though she isn't one to really dress down, she didn't want to overdo it on her first day. She has a ton of casual outfits and she thinks this is one of the most casual she owns.

Bridget found herself looking at the girl in amusement. "Oh honey, my outfit has nothing to do with my social skills, believe me. I just like to dress up and look good, it doesn't matter if I'm going to school or not. But when it comes to talking to people, that is where my skills are lacking."

She wasn't lying. Alex was always the people person and Bridget was one of those 'quiet until you got to know her' type of people. Something she envied Alex for.

"I wish I had your confidence for fashion." Kim says before pointing behind her. "I should probably go before Jared hunts me down. The offer still stands if you change your mind."

Bridget found herself smiling and nodding in appreciation. "I'll keep that in mind."

The two went their separate ways and since Bridget lied and said she was eating in her car, she didn't really know how she could go to the cafeteria without feeling obligated to sit with Kim. But she didn't really want to run to her car because as she passed the front entrance, she noticed it was indeed pouring rain and she did forget her umbrella in the car, which is a rookie move. She's lived in rainy states for eight years now, she should have known better.

Thinking the choir room was the next suitable option, Bridget heads there and prays they don't have a rule about students being in there during lunch. She didn't really bring much to eat, just a banana, a muffin and water. She only brings her lunch when she has gone grocery shopping and since she is the only one in the house that actually eats food, she doesn't like wasting it so will bring her lunch if she doesn't feel like she will finish these snacks at the house.

The teacher wasn't in and neither were any other students. She simply took a seat at one of the chairs, and pulled out her muffin and book. She puts her headphones in and starts her playlist, allowing herself to escape in the music and fiction world that is Outlander. She was already on the second book, which she has of course already read as well as most of the series. The next book to the series, 'A Breath of Snow and Ashes' comes out at the end of the year and to say Bridget was ecstatic was an understatement.

She found herself completely losing herself, not even truly realizing that when one of her favorite Scottish songs, 'The Parting Glass' came on, she was singing along to the beautiful melody. She was lost to everything around her, the only thing coming from the room was her calming, soothing voice.

><><><

"𝐃𝐔𝐃𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 going?" Jared Cameron hurriedly chases his friend down the empty hallway.

"Somewhere where I don't rip that bastard's head off." Paul basically growls, still physically shaking from pure anger in his chest.

Jared rolled his eyes at his friend's dramatics. "You need to get used to people saying shit like that. They don't understand the crap we've been through and what we have to deal with everyday. If they wanna think we are pill popping idiots in a gang, let them."

"And that doesn't piss you off?" Paul practically yelled at him, trying hard to calm down.

"No, not really. I find it hilarious actually because if they knew the real truth, they'd probably shit their pants." Jared jokingly explains, before reaching out and grabbing Paul's arm, stopping him from going further. "This is your third day back at school since you shifted and it's the fifth time you almost lost it in front of the whole school. You need to chill, unless you want to drop out, which I know is the last thing you want to do."

The hotheaded male grumbled in annoyance, mainly because his friend was right. Paul has never wanted anything more than to graduate. The last thing he wants is to be a dropout like his deadbeat father. He wasn't the brightest kid at this school but he wasn't failing his classes. Actually, he managed solid A's, B's and maybe a couple C's. It wasn't until he shifted three weeks ago that his grade started slipping.

His life was changed forever because the tribe legends he grew up hearing were actually true and he apparently has a bunch of blood sucking leeches to thank for his wolf gene being triggered. The problem was, Paul has always been a hot head, something he regretfully got from his father. He knew it more than anyone but ever since he shifted, it only intensified his anger issues so much more. It had taken both Sam and Jared a full three days to get him to shift back, that's how bad it was.

Now that he has had some time to get used to it and learn some control, Sam agreed it was time for him to return to school and it hasn't been the easiest thing in the world. Not when everyone here thinks he and Jared are a part of some ridiculous gang with Sam as their leader.

Paul let out a couple deep breaths in order to calm down, his shaking going down but still couldn't stop the thought of wanting to punch Mason Leery in the face multiple times for bumping into him and telling him to lay off the steroids. Jared got him out in time before he could shift. He still might if he keeps thinking about it.

Jared watched him closely and carefully. "You good?"

Paul huffed out another breath before nodding silently. Jared patted him on the arm before nudging him. "Come on. Let's go get our bags. The bell is going to ring in like five minutes."

Paul didn't say anything, just nodded again and was about to follow when suddenly a sound stopped him in his tracks. It was a voice. A very soft, gentle voice that sounded a lot like singing.

'Of all the comrades that e'er I had. They're sorry for my going away. And all the sweethearts that e'er I had. They'd wish me one more day to stay.'

"Jared," Paul calls, stopping the other boy from going too far. Jared hums in response and Paul listens closely. "Do you hear that?"

Jared took a second to listen before nodding. "Yeah. Sounds like it's coming from the choir room. Probably someone rehearsing or whatever."

'But since it fell into my lot. That I should rise and you should not. I'll gently rise and softly call. Good night and joy be to you all.'

Paul doesn't know what came over him but he slowly followed the beautiful voice. It was so pretty and enchanting, and it actually made his previous anger vanish to the back of his mind. He could hear Jared calling out to him, asking where he was going but Paul didn't bother to answer, just approached the room he knows as the choir room and peeked through the glass window of the door, where he saw a blonde girl sitting at one of the chairs, one leg cross over the other and a book in her lap.

He couldn't really get a good view of her face, only the side. She wore a long flowy dark gray dress and had headphones in. He felt Jared join his side, but Paul did not once tear his gaze from her or her hauntingly angelic voice.

"Paul, what are you doing?"

Paul did not look away from her as he asked. "Who is that?"

Jared pushed him to the side to get a better look before widening his eyes. "Oh shit, that's Bridget."

"Bridget who?" Paul demanded. He doesn't know why he was so fixated by her suddenly, but he found himself very curious, especially since he had never seen her before. There are not that many pale faces that go to this school, six total. But he'd remember seeing her before. Besides, her scent is off. It was weird.

"Bridget Clark, I think. She's that girl Sam met on the beach the other day, remember? The one who he mistook for a leech."

It clicked in his head, remembering that conversion when Sam explained what happened at the beach a couple weeks ago. But that only confused Paul more than when Sam explained it because this girl doesn't smell like a leech at all. But her scent was off. Not normal, but definitely no leech. Those bastards reek horribly. She didn't. She actually smelled nice. Just... strange.

"What is she doing here?" Paul questioned, looking back at her curiously.

"She transferred from Forks High. She said she was starting Monday. That's the girl Kim was talking about at lunch."

"But why? Why would she transfer?"

Jared shrugged. "She said it was because she didn't get along with the kids at Forks High. Didn't really give much detail. I tried offering to show her around but she declined. I think she's just a loner."

Suddenly, an interesting thought crossed Paul's mind and he turned to Jared. "You don't think the reason Sam confused her scent is because she hangs around that leech family, do you?"

Jared squinted his brows together. "That thought never crossed my mind. I mean, I've heard shit from other kids that go to that school. Most of them think they are freaks, which they are not wrong."

Paul huffed in response. Jared wasn't wrong. Before he shifted, he heard stories of the Cullens being soul sucking demons long before he actually believed it to be true. Because come on, vampires? Who the hell was going to believe that? It took becoming a supernatural being himself to actually believe it.

The two were suddenly interrupted when the door swung open, only to reveal the mystery girl herself. She jumped back in surprise, clearly not expecting them to be standing in front of the door like that. "Oh!" She examined, clearly startled.

Finally Paul was able to get a better look at her. She was even more beautiful than he originally thought. He watched as she shifted her eyes from Jared and then locked with his own and suddenly, he was frozen in place.

His entire body stiffened as it exploded with heat. Everything became numb. All he could do was stare at her, dumbstruck, like nothing else was around. He couldn't even make out what Jared was saying beside him, his attention was fully on this girl who was trying her best to pay attention to Jared but kept looking back at him with curiosity.

His palms became sweaty and his heart began racing. Then he started thinking about everything all at once. How he can see them holding hands. How he wants to make her smile every single day. How he wants to hold her in his arms. How he felt a primal, animalistic need to want to protect her at all times. Nothing else matters... nothing but her.

The bell seemed to break him out of his trance, causing him to turn to Jared who seemed to be calling his name. "What?"

Jared nodded to the blonde before them. "Just introducing you to Bridget here."

Bridget nervously smiled at him and waved. "Hi."

Paul didn't bother to respond, just started shaking once again and this time for a whole different reason.

Jared stared at him in confusion before looking back at Bridget who just got done explaining how she wanted some place to be alone and that is why she was in the classroom by herself, and finally he understood almost at the same time it truly registered for Paul himself.

Panic filled his chest and then all of sudden, pure anger. Paul knows exactly what happened and by the look on Jared's face, so does he and this was not okay. This is not what he wanted. This is the last thing he ever wanted since he learned about imprinting in the first place.

And it was very clear he just imprinted on Bridget Clark. 

Jared found himself smirking in amusement, knowing exactly what he was feeling and how overwhelmed he must be, but he forced himself to look at Bridget who turned to him in confusion. "Is he okay?"

"Yeah, he's fine. Just having a bad day." Jared quickly explains. Paul wasn't paying either of them mind, focusing hard on not shifting here and now. 

"Um, it was nice to see you again but I need to get to my locker."

"Yeah, we have to go too." Jared says, moving to the side so Bridget could pass.

"Bye Jared," Bridget said before turning towards Paul who refused to look in her direction again. "Nice meeting you, Paul."

A shiver went down his back from her saying his name and Paul had to suppress a growl in response. Instead he just nodded stiffly in acknowledgement but still refused to say anything. Bridget just took her leave and walked past the both of them, Paul doing everything in his power not to look back at her departing figure.

Once she was fully gone and other students started filling the halls, Jared turned to Paul with a smirk. "Dude, did you just-"

"Don't say another fucking word." Paul threatened through gritted teeth and without another word, he stalked down the hall and out the front door where he made a break for the woods, ditching the rest of the school day and shifted once he was sure he was as far from prying eyes to see, sprinting in his wolf form that he has grown accustomed to.

Just when he thought his life couldn't get more complicated, it threw him another freaking curveball and this time, he doesn't know how to handle it.

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Wow! A very long chapter!

Paul has entered and the imprint is set in motion! Can't wait for the next chapter where Bridget unpack that interaction because she sure as hell has a lot of thoughts on the subject.

Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter!