“Hot. My temperature is sky high.” Jacob explained and you nodded. You had already experienced Paul’s unnatural heat. Something about it rang a bell in the back of your mind but you couldn’t figure out why.

“You got big.” You pointed out and Jacob laughed, pulling up tufts of grass. “Bella thinks you’ve got the stomach flu. She’s got it.”

Jacob winced, tearing the grass up with a little more force. You pursed your lips while he took deep breaths to calm himself. “So when you get mad it makes you phase?”

“Basically. It won’t after a while but in the first few weeks it’s pretty bad.” Jacob explained and you nodded.

“Thinking about Bella makes you mad?” You asked and he sighed, shaking his head.

“Thinking about how she still loves that stupid blood sucker does. I tried, you know, I tried to help her. She won’t love me like that though.” Jacob exhaled a harsh breath and you tilted your head in confusion looking to Paul.

“Edward? What do you mean by-“ Faint legends returned to you and you gasped, jaw dropping. “Don’t you dare tell me what I think you will.”

“We don’t boycott the hospital for fun.” Paul sighed and you looked over to Jacob and back to Paul. “The Cullens are Cold Ones.”

“You’re joking. He was, he was in my house. She was in their house! How did she not know?” You asked in shock and your jaw dropped further at the shared look between Paul and Jacob. “She knew?!”

“We’re pretty sure she did.” Paul sighed and you found the wherewithal to shut your jaw. “They’re vegetarians.”

“Vegetarians.” You muttered faintly. “Mass psychosis is feeling more and more believable.”

“Yeah, you and me both. At least you don’t turn into an animal.” Jacob scoffed and you pulled a face. “Do you at least look cool?”

“Cooler than Paul.” Jacob sounded smug and you shrugged.

“Paul looks pretty cool. Very intimidating. I bet you look all adorable and cute.” A russet wolf appeared, looking every bit as menacing as scraps of clothes fluttered around him.

“Aw, does Fido want a treat?” Your voice shook a little, which you thought was fair enough, and Paul laughed while Jacob barked once before heading into the forest with a huff.

“Takes him a while to phase back.” Paul explained when he realised you were waiting on Jacob’s return. “Took me over an hour the first couple of times.”

“You wanna get something to eat?” You asked quietly and he nodded, relief plain on his face.

///

“Jake is pretty sick. I tried to bring him down soup and Billy wouldn’t even let me in. It’s not the same stomach bug you had. He’s got mono.” It was such a stupid lie. You had cringed when Billy had come up with it.

“I could just sit with him.” Your sister looked bad again. The shadows under her eyes had returned. The nightmares were back with a vengeance and Charlie was at his wits end.

“Mono is contagious Bella. You can’t visit him until he’s well again.” You explained, reaching out for your sister who flinched. “Bella, come on. You need to sleep.”

“I can’t do this again. Do you understand? I can’t.” You wondered how many hearts would be broken by the ‘gift’ of phasing. Bella was just getting back on track.

A couple of mornings later Bella was gone before you even woke, a worried Charlie had told you as much. Her truck was gone and the pair of you spent the morning calling around to see if anyone had seen Bella.

It wasn’t until midday when a knock at the front door had you hurrying to answer. Charlie was doing the rounds to see if he could find Bella or her truck.

Paul stood at the door and you sighed, defeated. He hesitated and you opened the door wider, letting him in.

“We found Bella out alone in the woods today.” He explained and your blood ran cold. “She was okay when we left her. But she came very close to not being okay. She was talking to another Cold One. We don’t know him but he’s been around before.”

“Why is she just a magnet for trouble?” You asked, perking up when the door opened but sighing when Charlie called to see if Bella had come home.

“She’s been up around La Push. Paul saw her driving around.” Charlie looked past you to where Paul was standing, a weird flip of the usual way this situation played out. “Says she seems pretty out of it. It’s going to be a rough night.”

The predictions of a rough night rang through. Bella had come home in a rush insisting it was wolves, not bears in the woods. Which left Charlie organising a search party with Harry.

You did your best to stay out of the way, resting for the evening because you knew that you wouldn’t sleep tonight.

What you didn’t expect was shortly after Paul left he made his way back, via your window. He was currently sat at your desk, flipping through your CD collection asking you trivial questions.

“Are you not mad because you can’t be mad at me or are you really not mad?” You asked quietly. He looked up from your desk with a frown.

“Mad about what?” He asked and you sighed, sitting up against your headboard, your knees pulled up to your chest. He moved from his seat at your desk to sit at the end of your bed.

“The way I reacted the other night. I left.” You sighed. You had seen Paul only a handful of times since then, usually so he could supervise visits to Jacob. Neither of you talked much during them.

“With the bomb I dropped? I don’t blame you one bit. A lot of pieces fell into place for you that day. Leah is your best friend, I understand you seeking her out. I know how hard it is to keep all of this from her.” He sighed and you sniffed. “You’ve got so much going on and yet you’re worried about my feelings?”

“A wolf?” You asked quietly, fingers still combing through his hair. You were trying to plan a getaway but Paul’s keys were on a hook by the front door. You wouldn’t make it.

His house was down a dirt road, the nearest neighbors a ten minute drive. Dense trees surrounded the house but the recent bear sightings had you trying to make a tough decision.

“I know it sounds crazy.” Paul laughed nervously, his hands squeezing your hips tightly. “I can see you trying to plan a way out.”

He stepped back, releasing his grip on you. All the way out of the direct line to the door. “I won’t stop you if you want to leave. I’ll drop you home, I’ll give you the keys to my truck. You can call Billy or Harry to come get you. I won’t stop you.”

“I don’t understand.” You told him quietly, still waiting for his inevitable snap. There was a frying pan to your left, a toaster to your right.

“I don’t expect you to. I sound like I’m going crazy and that’s got to be terrifying to you right now. And unfortunately to help you understand I’d have to ask you to come outside with me.” He gestured to the back door and your stomach flipped. That wouldn’t be a good decision.

“Here.” Paul moved to lift the phone from the hook and you watched as he dialed a number you would know in your sleep. “Hey Sue, is Harry there?”

“Why are you calling Harry?” You asked, your voice shaking. You couldn’t help the relief.

“Because you look petrified and I don’t know how to fix it but he will.” Paul told you earnestly before returning his attention to the call. “Harry, I’m ruining this. I need you to talk to her.”

Paul put the phone down and backed away so you could hop off the counter and approach the phone warily. You lifted it to your ear, watching Paul move so he was the opposite side of the table to you.

“Harry?” You asked into the receiver.

“Hey there, Sunshine. Everything okay?” He asked, his warm voice doing major work in relaxing you. Harry wouldn’t let you get hurt.

“Yeah, its just, well-“ You didn’t know what to say. How could you explain this?

“Big guy is a wolf, huh?” He asked and you blinked in shock, nodding at the phone like he could see you. “Yeah, sounds crazy. But it ain’t. Let him show you, Sunshine.”

“Harry…” you trailed off and he laughed warmly.

“You ain’t ever been cautious. Don’t start now.” He warned and you swallowed before inhaling deeply.

“If I die the Chief will find out you sent me to my death. He won’t be too happy.” You warned him.

“To hell with the Chief. Leah would do more damage than he would dream. Trust me.” He laughed and you nodded, putting the phone back on the hook.

“Okay. Let’s go outside.”

///

You blinked down at the mug in your hand and sighed heavily again. Paul was chewing on his thumb nail in the armchair across from you.

“I’m not having a psychotic break?” You asked and Paul shook his head. “You didn’t drug my dinner?”

Paul shook his head again, still chewing on the damn nail. You looked back to the mug of hot cocoa and hummed a little. “My sister just had a psychotic break over her boyfriend. I’m pretty sure Renee had one over the Chief. And every other guy she ever dated. Are we sure this isn’t a psychotic break?”

“Pretty sure. Unless I’m having one too. You need someone to confirm it for ya? I can call Jared or Embry. Kim Calloway could help too.” Paul muttered around his nail.

“Mass hysteria. That’s a thing, right? Like we could all be crazy cause of something in the air or the water. Or the food. Or the wine. Maybe it was the wine.” You muttered and Paul heaved a sigh before pushing himself off the sofa.

“I’m calling Harry to come over.” He sighed and you shook your head. “I don’t know what else to do. Kim and Emily didn’t panic like this. Jared and Sam are better than I am.”

“I just, did you, Kim and Emily?” You asked, looking up. “They know too?”

“Sam imprinted on Emily, Jared on Kim. Only people in the pack know. Imprints are part of the pack.” Paul explained and you swallowed the bile rising.

“You imprinted on me.” You repeated and he nodded, sitting down again. He returned to chewing on his nail.

“Did you, I mean, was it a choice? Did you choose to, you know, imprint? On me?” Paul snorted and crook his head with a laugh.

“Imprint on a girl who hates my freakin’ guts? No. I didn’t choose it but I wouldn’t change it. There’s theories about why we imprint. I like the theory that the spirits knew that we would be the right fit for each other.” He told you honestly.

“So there’s no choice then? We’re tied together, forever?” You asked and Paul swallowed audibly. “That’s our future decided then? Same for Kim and Emily?”

“Well, I mean, no?” Paul sounded confused. “There’s other theories. We don’t have to be romantically involved. If you told me right now that you would prefer to be friends then that’s what we would do and I swear to you that I would never cross or push a boundary. I wouldn’t even be able to.”

“So the decision is mine? Not yours?” You asked and Paul tilted his head from side to side.

“I have no choice on who I imprint on, no. I can choose how to pursue you. Be it romantic, platonic or other. I chose to pursue you romantically but if you don’t want that then I’ll accept it. I’ll be your second best friend instead.” He promised and you nodded slowly, absorbing it all.

“I was scared you were going to ask me to be your girlfriend.” You told him and he nodded. “Not that I don’t want to be your girlfriend, I do. Maybe. Like in a few weeks when we know each other better. You know?”

“Take all the time you need. And if you decide you don’t want to be then that’s cool too. My goal in life is to make you happy, however I can.” He promised.

“I’ve been so mad at Sam.” You muttered and Paul sighed.

“You didn’t know.” He assured you and you nodded. “It looked shit of him from the outside.”

“But it wasn’t his fault. He imprinted.” You said and Paul nodded again, wary still. “It was Emily’s. She chose a romantic connection. She could’ve spared Leah all this hurt.”

“Sunshine, slow down.” Paul held his hands up and you raised your eyebrows at him. “Your jumping all over and calling the places you land conclusions.”

“Am I wrong? She made that decision right?” You asked him and he swallowed again. “She chose that.”

“There were other factors at play-“

“I want to leave now.” You spoke quietly.

“Sure I can drop you-“

“No. I’m going to call Leah to come get me.” You moved towards the phone and could feel Paul follow you.

“You can’t tell her. It’s not going to help her if she knows. You have to understand.” Paul told you. You ignored him and picked up the receiver, dialing the familiar number.

“Sunshine?” Harry answered on the first dial.

“I need to speak to Lee. I need her to come get me.”

///

Harry came to get you instead. You waited on Paul’s porch, ignoring the worried figure in the doorway. He hadn’t spoken since you’d made the call and you wondered if he was mad that you didn’t just fall into his arms.

“It’s a lot.” You explained grudgingly. “To accept.”

“I know. I’m not sorry it happened but I am sorry there isn’t an easier way to explain.” He sighed and you nodded swallowing.

“I’m leaving because I need Leah. Not because I don’t want to figure this out.” You told him and he nodded. “I won’t tell her. But I need her so I can think. She helps me think.”

“Jared helps me think. Sometimes literally.” Paul explained and you filed that away for later. “I understand. But I want you to know that if I had a choice and I got to see how it would go with anyone else, well, I’d still choose you.”

And wasn’t that the killer? The one thing you needed to hear but now you couldn’t trust it.

You looked up when head lights grew close and squinted in the direction of Harry’s truck. “I just need to think.”

You stepped down off the porch and hurried toward the truck. You pulled yourself into the cab beside Harry and shuffled across the bench toward him. “Hey there, Sunshine.”

You didn’t speak as Harry drove away but you did watch the defeated shadow of Paul standing under the porch light.

When Harry turned onto his own drive he cleared his throat. “You can’t tell her, you know. It won’t help.”

“It won’t help?” You asked, incredulous.

“I knew the day Sam imprinted that Leah would get her heart broken. Call it a father’s intuition, call it pessimism. But I knew. And I couldn’t warn her or tell her. Even after. How do I tell my little girl the universe didn’t think her boyfriend was her perfect match?” Harry asked and you sighed, covering your face.

“I’ve never kept a secret from her. Ever.” You told Harry and he shrugged. “This isn’t fair.”

“Life rarely is, Sunshine.”

///

Being the best friend that she was, Leah didn’t pry when you appeared in her bed that night, just shuffled over to make room and sleepily telling you that she loved you back.

The next morning she asked once and when you didn’t answer she spent the morning distracting you from your worries with movies and pancakes.

Mid day when you got a call from your dad, worried about Bella who was staring out windows and into space again Leah offered to give you a ride home.

All without asking.

It was driving you insane. Because you promised yourself you wouldn’t lie to her. But she wouldn’t even ask.

When you got home Bella was curled around the toilet, clearly very sick. Charlie told you about how she had started puking around noon.

She then told you about how she had gone to see a movie with Jake and Mike, which was the weirdest pairing ever, and both of them had gotten sick.

“Jake won’t answer. I just want to check he’s okay.” Bella explained, a tinge of that old desperation creeping into her voice.

“I’ll call okay? I’ll check on him. Let’s just get you into bed.” You promised and helped her up from the floor and into her bedroom.

You found Charlie pacing in the living room and smiled softly at him. “Just a stomach bug, Chief. Mike Newton’s got it and so has Jake. I’m gonna check up on them both.”

A quick call to Micheal Newton Snr. assured you that Mike had made it home okay but was down with the same bug. And also landed you an extra shift the next day. You cursed Bella in your head.

You called the Black house next and got Billy on the phone, voice cold. “I told you not to call again, Bella.”

“Woah there, Old Man. Don’t take that tone with me. I’m just checking on Jake. Has he got this stomach flu too?” You asked with a laugh.

“Jake has phased.” You inhaled quickly and coughed, choking on your breath at the casual announcement. “It’s best if Bella keeps a way for a little while.”

“Can I call down and see him?” You asked carefully, aware of your father watching you.

“Not without Paul or another wolf. New wolves have to learn to reign in their temper. But I’m sure Jacob would appreciate a familiar face.” Billy sighed tiredly. “And I could do with a break.”

It wasn’t like you were a blushing virgin or afraid to sleep with him. You just didn’t know if you were quite there.

You and Paul had made out a little on the first date at his house. Your second date had been in a bar in Portland to see some underground band you liked. You had gotten a little handsy in his truck after.

But this was the third date. He was making dinner and had something to discuss. Which was also making you feel more and more nauseous as the day wore on.

“You think he expects you to sleep together? Maybe he’s gonna ask you to be his girlfriend.” Leah rolled over so she was on her belly, hands propping up her chin.

“Isn’t three dates a little early? For either of those things?” You asked her desperately and she shrugged. “I mean three weeks ago I was glaring at him in the diner.”

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.” Leah reminded you and you sighed, shoulders tensing up by your ears. You curled the last piece of hair and switched the curler off.

“If I say no to either it looks bad. Things won’t be the same. What if he doesn’t like me anymore?” You asked and she sat up on the bed. You turned on your stool to face her.

“The he can fuck off. If he’s gonna treat you differently for not wanting to sleep with him yet then I’ll go down there and make sure he can’t sleep with anyone anymore.” You smiled at how heated she got, her hands shaking.

“Relax Lee, he hasn’t even done anything wrong. I’m just, you know, what if?” You sighed and Leah clambered off the bed to come over and kneel in front of you.

“If he’s the right guy then he’ll choose you. Just like I keep choosing you over and over again. You’re the winning choice, always.” You nodded, pursing your lips and inhaling deeply through your nose to keep the tears at bay.

“Once you keep choosing me then I’ll be okay.” She smiled and leaned up to wrap you in a hug.

///

Paul pursed his lips when you answered the door and shook his head. “How’s a guy supposed to keep up when you look this good?”

Roses, store bought this time, were passed into your hands and you smiled, inhaling from them and then without looking, you passed them back to your father who got far too much joy out of annoying you.

“You know-“

“I’m going to go joy riding in the cruiser and leave it somewhere you’ll never find it if you finish your sentence.” You warned your laughing father. You grabbed your jacket and ushered Paul out the door. “Thank you for the flowers.”

“No problem, Sunshine.” He helped you up into the truck and you rolled your eyes at the stupid nickname that seemed like it was sticking.

When he got in on his own side his hand found yours, which had become customary. Paul drove a manual truck and still held your hand between gear shifts.

Paul was consistent in the small gestures that showed you how much he really cared. It was beyond fascinating to you that you had internalized so much contempt for him when he was this sweet in person.

“How was your sleepover?” Paul asked, tapping his thumb against your hand to draw your attention back from where it had drifted.

“It was good. Leah got that new Cheaper By The Dozen movie on DVD.” You told him, turning to watch his side profile while he drove.

“The one with Hilary Duff?” You scoffed, attempting to pull your hand free. He only laughed, holding tight.

“Of course you’d know she’s in it. You’re such a guy.” You rolled your eyes, accepting that you weren’t getting your hand back.

“Nah, I only got eyes for you baby.” He laughed and you only turned your face away. “Hey now, you’re way prettier than Hilary Duff.”

“I’m sure I am.” You muttered, trying to hide your smile from him. “Pity you ain’t as hot as that Tom Welling guy. You know the older brother?”

Paul only laughed at you, squeezing your hand and shaking his head. “Whatever you say, Sunshine.”

“Whatever.” You pursed your lips, still trying to hide your smile.

“But if we’re talking hall passes then-“ you pulled your hand from his, smacking him while he laughed.

///

“So you cook, you have your own place, you bring me flowers and you do all the clean up too.” You were sitting on the counter by the sink, glass of wine in hand, right where Paul had put you while he washed the dinners. “Why are you still single?”

“Well, I mean am I technically single if we’re dating?” He asked, wiping his hands on a towel to dry them. “Because I don’t count myself as single.”

“Besides me. Before me.” You sighed, parting your legs when he slipped between you. He stole the wine glass from your hand and you let your arms rest over his shoulders.

“I haven’t ever done this for anyone. I don’t bring people into my home. I don’t cook them dinner. I don’t let them sit pretty while I wash the dishes.” He shrugged and your arms shifted with the movement. You curled one hand around the back of his neck, scratching your nails through the hair at his nape.

“I’m sure I’m the first.” You laughed and then frowned when Paul did. “Paul I know you got around. I’m not bothered by it.”

“I mean technically, yes. But I didn’t date them. I didn’t bring them over here. I’m not treating you like this because I want to sleep with you.” He sighed and you smiled, pressing a kiss to his cheek to draw a smile from him.

“So why me?” You asked him quietly. He hummed, tilting his head into your hand massaging his scalp. He was like a puppy, basking in the comfort.

“Well, I’ve known since the first moment I really looked at you that I wanted you. I want to date you. Do it properly.” He admitted and you laughed.

“Oh yeah, you knew that three years ago in Jared Call’s bathroom?” You asked and his brows scrunched together in confusion. “You and Jenna Fuller were getting off but I had a puking Leah do I kicked you out of the bathroom.”

“I don’t remember that so it doesn’t count.” He argued and you laughed at his petulant pout. “I meant that day in the diner. You looked at me like you wanted to string me up by my own intestines and what can I say? I was kind of into it.”

“That’s oddly sweet.” You laughed and pressed a short kiss to his lips. “Who knew you were so soft? You better be careful or everyone will know.”

“I don’t care who knows once you do.” Paul chuckled, pressing his forehead against yours. “I’ve got something I’d like to talk about with you.”

You swallowed and nodded against his forehead before pulling back. This was it. He could only possibly want to talk about one of two things. Sex or a relationship.

“Go on.” You urged and he smiled at you softly again. He hesitated and it was your turn to smile. “Best rip it off. Like a band aid.”

“I’m a Spirit Warrior Wolf and I imprinted on you.”

“What?” Leah asked, dropping back from her crouched position to sit on the ground. You stared at her for a second before dropping her gaze to pick at the edge of your nail.

“Paul. He asked me out.” You explained without looking up. “I haven’t told him I’d go.”

“But you want to?” Leah asked, confused. You knew why she was confused. She’d never even heard you mention Paul in any capacity only to hate on Sam and his followers.

“I mean. Kind of?” You knew you sounded unsure. “He fixed up my car the last time. And he did loads of extra things too. And he didn’t charge me, just asked me out. And he’s sort of funny. And really hot.”

“And friends with Sam.” Leah finished and you deflated. You nodded and looked up at Leah who didn’t look mad, just confused still.

“And friends with Sam.” You sighed. She nodded again and you chewed on your bottom lip. “I would never dream of forgiving him for what he’s done. And I wouldn’t hang out with them, like ever.”

“You really want to go on this date, huh?” Leah asked and you nodded again. “You won’t leave?”

“Never. Not ever Leah! You know that. I’d rather cut my arm off.” You promised her, clambering off the sofa to sit next to her. “He’s probably gonna be terrible and it won’t be a good date and I’ll have to come back her and complain about it all.”

“Probably.” Leah agreed, her voice suspiciously thick. “And I’d listen, you know, even if it’s a really good date and you have the best time.”

“I love you, you know that?” You asked her softly. “More than I’ll ever love a dumb guy.”

“You better. We made a pact, a blood vow.” She reminded you and you both held up scarred little fingers. “That scar means you can’t ever pick anyone over me.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

…

“So about that movie?” You asked into the receiver, watching your father in the living room who was transfixed by the game.

“Kind of late notice, isn’t it?” Paul asked with a chuckle and you rolled your eyes.

“Well if you’re not interested anymore then-“

“Hey! No! I didn’t say that. I can pick you up in like an hour, maybe an hour and a half?” He rushed out and you laughed, drawing a look from your father.

“Make it an hour and we’ll see if there’s time for that pizza after.” You warned and he called an affirmative before you hung up.

“That wasn’t your Leah laugh.” You narrowed your eyes at your father who only raised his hands. “Just wondering who’s taking my Sunshine out.”

“You don’t know him.” You assured your father. He raised his eyebrows and you sighed. “Paul LaHote.”

“Lives down on the Rez, don’t he?” Charlie asked and you sighed heavily again. “Good kid. Billy talks highly of him.”

“He’s not a kid and either am I. So don’t wait up tonight.” You warned and Charlie guffawed.

“You’re twenty one kid. You still live under my roof. Have your ass back in bed by two in the morning or I’ll coming looking for you. Siren and all.” He warned, you knew he was only partially kidding.

“You suck, Chief.”

“Yeah, get used to it, Sunshine.”

…

“Fifty six minutes. I hope you timed me.” Paul grinned and presented a bouquet of yellow gardenias with soil still on the roots.

“I’ll close the door if I look across the road and see Mrs Herschel is missing any flowers.” You warned. You felt more than heard your father step into the hallway. “Go away, Chief.”

“I took those flowers from my mom’s garden who offered them up. Also, hey there Chief Swan.” Paul waved to your stoic father.

“Don’t be a bootlicker, Paul. His name is Charlie and if he wants dinner tomorrow he should get back in the living room.” You didn’t turn to look at your father but you did take the flowers from Paul and hold them out for your father to take. “Could you put these in a vase please, we’ll be late.”

“Two at the latest, Sunshine. Or the sirens are coming out.” Charlie warned as you shrugged on your jacket.

“That would break the domestic noise level law. Don’t break your own rules, Chief. I’ll be home when I’m home. No earlier and no later.” You shut the door behind you and Paul chuckled warmly. “My sister has given him so much to worry about that he forgets I’m not her.”

“She was dating that Cullen guy, right?” Paul asked and you nodded, following him to his truck. He paused by the passenger door and opened it for you.

“Yeah. That’s the guy. He really did a number on her. So now all guys are the worst in the world.” You explained before he closed your door. He jogged around the front of the truck and pulled his own door open.

“He’s just protective of you. That’s what a dad is supposed to do.” Paul shrugged and you rolled your eyes.

“Bootlicker.” You whispered and he laughed again before backing the truck out of your drive.

“I ain’t a bootlicker. I’m respecting the man who brought my date into the world. Or isn’t that allowed, Sunshine?” Paul asked teasingly.

“Don’t you dare. It’s a stupid nickname he gave me when I was a kid and I’ve been trying a long time to shake it.” You knew from his laugh it wasn’t going anywhere soon.

…

“By movie I assumed you would be taking me to Port Angeles.” You told him when he went the opposite way out of Forks. He only shrugged his shoulders and you swatted at him. “Where are we going?”

“You don’t rent an R-Rated movie and then watch it in theater.” He reminded you and you narrowed your eyes at him.

“Sounds like an intentional bid to get me back to your place. Did you kick your mom out for the night?” You asked and he laughed.

“I don’t live with my mom.” He corrected and you rolled your eyes. “I went by her place earlier and grabbed the flowers. I got my own place.”

“Bought your own place with a couple of garage shifts?” You asked and he shook his head, turning off the highway towards LaPush.

“My grandpa left it to me. I don’t know why you think I’m trying to pull a fast one on you. I’m an honest guy.” Paul shrugged and you chewed on your bottom lip.

“I’ve been mean. To you. And you just put all that aside to ask me out.” You admitted quietly and Paul shrugged again. “No, don’t brush it off. I have a reason to be mad at Sam but I dragged you and Jared into it too.”

“You don’t understand the situation. I won’t hold it against you for being a good friend.” Paul promised and you sighed again.

“I, you have to understand, I can’t be their friend. I can’t hurt Leah like that. And they’re your friends. I know that. If you can’t excuse that then this won’t work.” You told him. He pulled into a long dirt drive and you watched him quietly think about your words.

“I think that maybe if I had been around for the Sam and Leah thing I would feel as you do. I see it differently than you do so I can be his friend. It’s perspective and I won’t ask you to be friends with someone you don’t want to be.” He huffed a breath as if the whole sentence had taken years off his laugh.

“You worded that very intentionally.” You pointed out when he parked outside a small cottage.

“Sam is my friend. That won’t change. Leah is your friend. That won’t change. Sam broke Leah’s heart. There’s no changing that either. We’ll just have to find a way to figure it all out.” You nodded slowly.

“Only if this date is any good.” You teased and he laughed.

…

“Terrible. Worst date of my life. I’ll never see him again.” You brushed past Leah at the door and made straight for her room.

“Oh, so you’re gonna marry this boy?” She asked as you flopped down, face first, into her bed.

“Leah. I can not explain how much I want to spend my life with him. We’re going to have three children and Billy will officiate and you’ll be my bridesmaid.” You turned your face to speak before burying your head in her mattress to scream at the top of your lungs.

“Jeez, take it down a notch.” Leah sighed and flipped down next to you.

“Dude, you’re fucking on fire.” You pushed up on your elbows to free one hand to check her temperature. “Are you sick?”

“I feel weird. Achey. It’s nothing. Probably my period coming on.” She sighed and rolled over to face you. “Tell me everything.”

“He brought me flowers. We watched a movie at his place and he ordered pizza. We cuddled a little.” Leah raised her eyebrow at your blushing. “Okay so we made out. Like a lot. It was good. He’s so strong and he just lifted me into his lap. He even made sure I was home in time for Charlie’s bullshit made up curfew.”

“Paul LaHote, a gentleman?” Leah asked with a laugh. “He must really like you.”

“I told him. You know. That I couldn’t be friends with his friends. That I wouldn’t do it to you.” You promised, linking your little finger with hers. She smiled and then sighed, rolling so her face was pressed into the blanket. You wrapped your arms around her and lay with her in silence.

“Love you, Lee.”

“I spend time with Billy. The man practically raised me. I just didn’t think you spent time with him. I’ve never seen you there before.” You told him, chancing another look to see if you were offending him.

“It’s a recent development, my friendship with the old man. He took me under his wing when I needed someone most.” Paul admitted and you chewed on your bottom lip. “You can ask.”

“I mean, I probably shouldn’t. It’s not my place.” You shrugged and Paul rolled his eyes.

“Ask anyway.” He shifted in his seat.

“Drugs?”

“Nope.”

“Alcohol?”

“Nope.”

“Superhero origin story?”

“Not quite.”

“Alien abduction?”

“Almost.”

“Really?” You turned to look at him and he reached out to steady the wheel when the car swerved. You looked to his hand and he withdrew.

“Obviously not. But almost as far fetched.” He laughed and you rolled your eyes at his grin.

“Spirit warrior wolf?” You asked and he turned to stare at the side of your face while you drove. You chanced looking over at him quickly when he didn’t answer.

“Yeah. That’s exactly what happened.” Paul spoke hoarsely and you laughed, reaching out to slap at his arm.

“Good cover story for anabolic steroids I guess.” You shook your head, indicating into the car lot for Newtons Olympic Outfitters. “You’ll have it back before I get off, right?”

Paul was still staring at you while you parked and he nodded dumbly. You watched him for a couple of seconds before shrugging and reaching into the backseat for your bag. By the time you straightened up he was at your door, holding it open for you.

“Uh thanks. I get off at eight, if you want to get it back to me then. I could drop you home, I guess. If you don’t want to ask anyone else to.” You fumbled for words while stepping out of your car.

“I’ll let you know.” Paul promised and smiled gently at you. You nodded again and walked away, pausing to glance over your shoulder and find him staring at you, still standing by your car. You offered him a small wave, shaking your head slightly.

Up until a few hours ago you would’ve told him to fuck off for even looking at you. And now you went and let him take your car and offered to give him a ride home for his troubles.

…

Paul was flying high the whole trip back to the garage. He didn’t care that his grin could split his face in two. He could feel the heat from where you had slapped his arm. Could feel the weight of your eyes on him when you had glanced back and waved.

He parked up outside the doors of the garage and stepped out. Sam was inside working on something from the sounds of it. He seemed to be alone.

Paul swung the heavy door open with ease and Sam rolled out from under a beat up truck and looked up at Paul.

“Thought you were over at Billy’s.” Sam muttered, cleaning his hands in a rag. Paul shrugged and grabbed the keys for the Toyota parked in the second bay.

“I was. Then I was accidentally offering to fix a jammed gear stick for the accidental love of my life.” Paul explained, sliding into the Toyota and starting it up.

He parked it outside and drove your car into the now empty bay.

“That’s quite the escalation.” Sam raised his eyebrows and Paul grinned, unable to help himself.

“She wanted Jake but the kid is off with her sister all day. I offered to do it and went with her to work. I have to fix it before she’s finished, get it back to her and she’s gonna drop me home.” Paul explained and Sam laughed in disbelief.

“She didn’t tell you to shove it?” He asked and Paul shook his head.

“She accidentally guessed too. She was joking around, wondering what had happened to us. Guessed spirit warriors and then laughed it off.” Sam’s jaw dropped and Paul nodded.

“Sounds like quite the afternoon.”

“You’ve got no idea.”

…

Paul could admit he’d over done it. He had fixed your jammed gear stick. He had also fixed the way your seat stuck when moved and the check engine light. He had topped up your oil and even washed the outside of your car.

It was just after seven and he was busy scrubbing the oil off his hands when a panicked howl came from the forest. Paul shared a glance with Sam when a second wolf echoed the howl.

A new phase.

Paul let his head fall back and groaned loudly before lifting the landline next to him. He dialed the familiar number.

“Hey Billy, could you do me a favor?”

…

You turned the last light off and ran a hand through your hair. You weren’t sure why your stomach was turning but you had seen your car pull into the lot a few minutes before closing and knowing Paul had come through on his word made you nervous.

You hadn’t ever considered Paul outside of his friendship with Sam. He was funny and damn if he wasn’t one of the most attractive men you’d ever met.

It sucked he was friends with Sam but that was an easily ignored fact when it was just you and him. He had offered to fix your car even though you’d only ever been rude to him.

You hurried through the ever present rain to your car only to find Jacob Black in the front seat. Your stomach sank and you offered him a short smile.

“Not who you were expecting, huh?” Jacob asked and you shrugged, tossing your stuff in the back seat. When you shifted your seat forward, wrenching it, you were surprised when it glided forward smoothly. “I left the Rabbit at the garage, you can just drop me back there.”

“Will do.” You sighed, checking the gear shift and smiling when it moved smoothly.

“Paul called my dad. Said he was getting dragged away from the garage. He didn’t want you to be stuck at work without a ride home.” Jacob explained and you shrugged.

“Considerate of him.” You knew you were being short and it was so stupid. Paul had gotten your car back to you as promised.

“You dating him?” Jacob asked and you rolled your eyes.

“As if.” You scoffed and Jacob laughed.

“Sure. You’re all cut up over some guy you hate not picking you up from work. Why’d you get him to fix up your car anyway?” Jacob asked and you raised your eyebrows at him.

“You were off gallivanting with Bella when I showed up today. Your dad said you’d be out all day.” You explained and he frowned.

“I was in the garage all day. Bella didn’t even call today.” Jacob said and you tilted your head.

“Oh. Your dad said-“ you cut yourself off and shrugged. It didn’t matter anyway. “Found a new mechanic. He cleaned my car too.”

“Yeah, what’d he charge you?” Jacob asked. “Cause I guarantee he didn’t do all that work for an extra large pepperoni pizza and an r-rated movie rental.”

“He didn’t say. I was going to ask when he picked me up.” You sighed.

“Hell of a lot of work to do for free for someone who hates your guts.” Jacob whistled and you rolled your eyes, pulling off the highway towards the garage.

“I don’t hate his guts. I hate Sam’s. He’s just adjacent to that.” You explained and pulled down the long drive of the garage.

“I’ll never understand women.” Jacob sighed and you laughed. “Between your and your sister, I’m always confused.”

“As little chance as you have with me making sense, you’ve got no chance with her.” You laughed and he shook his head before pushing himself out of the car and heading off to his own.

You waved him off and waited for him to leave before sighing. You adjusted your mirrors and tugged on the bubblegum air freshener that hadn’t been in your car before you went to work.

You reached in the back of the car for your bag and screamed when a tap on your window frightened you. You spun around to find Paul laughing.

“You fucking jerk. Oh my god.” He stepped back when you swung your door open. “What the hell?”

“I’m sorry.” Paul was almost breathless with his laughter and you shoved at him when he leaned against your car. You swung your legs out so you were facing him, almost caged in by his hand on top of your car.

“No you’re not. You’re a jackass.” You pouted, looking up at him.

“I wanted to apologise. I got called away before I could get to you this evening. Wanted to make sure Jake got there in time.” He spoke quietly, his laughter gone. “I didn’t want you stuck.”

“Thank you.” You were pinned by his gaze and you swallowed roughly. “What do I owe you?”

“Nothing.” He promised and you scoffed. “I don’t want anything for it.”

“Paul, come on. I can’t accept that.” You sighed and he only chuckled, shaking his head.

“What do you pay the kid?” He asked and you swallowed again when his hand came out to push your hair out of your face.

“A pizza and an R-rated movie he wouldn’t be able to rent.” You told him honestly and Paul considered your words.

“I’ll have the same. Friday night? You and me?” You blinked as Paul’s hand trailed down the side of your face.

“Like a date?” You asked softly and he nodded.

Not to say you had been in any way wild. You had just been older. Set in routine and able to voice your opinion. And your opinion was that your dad was your favorite. A fact Renee never liked.

So every summer you trekked to Arizona where Bella and Renee had ended up and spent two weeks with them only to trek back down with Bella so she could spend her time with Charlie.

It had never been a particularly enjoyable time for either of you. So when Bella packed up and moved to Forks you had already expected to have distance between you both. Adding Edward Cullen to the mix only made things worse.

You could never have expected Bella to shack up with Cullen, much less go batshit insane over him. You would never forgive your sister for the torment she was putting Charlie through every day she grieved a dumb high school fling.

So you escaped her. Escaped her zombified state in the damn chair in her bedroom. Leah had been your saving grace. Harry and Charlie had shoved you both together as kids and the bond had stuck, bringing you to their door whenever you couldn’t stomach looking at Bella.

Although heartbreak was still prominent in the Clearwater home, at least Leah had a reason to be so cut up. Sam and her had plans. They had been together for years. Not a matter of months like Bella and Edward.

You couldn’t help but wonder had you and Bella been raised together would you offer her the support you so readily gave to Leah. “I think she’s found a new boy to focus on.”

Leah tilted her head from side to side as she considered your answer. You didn’t really believe the idea yourself but it was strange, how completely Jacob had turned your sister’s mental breakdown into a memory.

“The kid must have game.” Leah said and you snorted in laughter, your milkshake dribbling pathetically down your chin. “You’re disgusting, you freak.”

“You’re the one thinking weird thoughts about a kid!” You argued and Leah only rolled her eyes. “Gonna have to warn my dad what you’re up to.”

“Shut up, haven’t you got work? Those tents ain’t gonna sell themselves.” She teased and you looked at your watch before sighing.

“Cause you ain’t got a boat to be fixing with your dad, little Ms Nepo Baby.” You scoffed, shoving your way out of the booth. “You think she even noticed I was here?”

“Ah, the nepotism of the boat rental business. A true life of luxury.” Leah knocked you with her elbow. “She hasn’t noticed you once her life. Why would she start today?”

Your smart reply for Leah died on your tongue when three tall shirtless men entered the diner, staring off to the side. Leah dropped her head, her long hair falling to cover her face.

You scoffed, side stepping Paul LaHote with a scowl. Less than a year ago Paul was a minor annoyance for Sam. Someone he had a rivalry with in high school. Now they were best friends and Sam had dropped Leah and picked up her cousin. It was enough to sour your good mood.

“Don’t.” Leah grabbed your wrist when you paused. She knew you wanted to give Sam another piece of your mind. She had stopped letting you when you almost ran him over at the beach a few weeks before.

You rolled your eyes before turning to glare at Sam one last time but Paul moved between you both, staring you down in challenge. You’d like to think you won when his jaw fell slack and he stumbled against the table.

“Fuck those guys.” You huffed once Leah had dragged you out the door. “Hope they catch a cold.”

“Damn killer, take it easy. Not a cold.” Leah laughed but it was strained. “Go to work. Earn enough money so I can quit my job and become a stay at home best friend.”

“Best friend? You’re not even in my top three.” Her laugh was less strained when you both parted ways and you blew her a kiss across the car lot, smiling when she pretended to bat it away.

…

“Can you watch my lane for a few?” You looked up from the schedule you had been trying to organize and blinked at Mike who was trying to look a lot more innocent than he was.

“A few? Like say, ten minutes?” You asked and he shrugged. “Or enough time for me to realize you’re skipping the last thirty minutes of your shift?”

“I’ll do a double next Friday to bail you out if you let me go now?” He offered and you sighed.

“Your name is above the door, kid. I don’t care if you cut or not. Ain’t like I can fire you.” You shrugged and locked your computer.

“Awh, don’t be like that. Dad would quicker fire me and adopt you if he thought Charlie wouldn’t notice. Best assistant manager he’s ever had apparently.” You laughed and shooed Mike out the door, heading for his lane which had conveniently cashed up and gotten ready to hand over.

Friday night wasn’t typically busy in the store. Not many people needed last minute hiking attire for the weekend and so you had time to finish up the schedule that had been bothering you and change the displays in the store windows before you were interrupted by a customer.

Not just a customer though, your sister.

“Everything okay?” You asked her warily. Talking to Bella in the last three months was almost like talking to a wall if the wall had the ability to start screaming at a pitch only dogs could hear.

“Just looking for some new boots.” She hummed and you nodded slowly, pointing her in the direction she needed.

You weren’t entirely sure why she’d need hiking boots. Bella and the outdoors weren’t exactly well acquainted.

And yet she reappeared with the boots and shelled out the cash for them with barely an extra word. To an outsider it would be impossible to tell you knew each other, never mind that you were sisters.

You watched her leave and huffed a sigh. You’d mention it to Charlie in passing. See if he knew why she suddenly wanted to hike with all the recent bear spottings in the woods.

…

Jared was laughing. His whole body shook with it, so much so that Paul could feel the vibrations from where he paced in Sam’s back garden. He’d been stuck as a wolf for almost an hour now because every time he calmed down Jared would piss him off again.

“The only person-“ a fit of laughter interrupted Jared trying to make his point. “The only one that hates us more than Leah and you imprint on her.”

Paul dove for Jared and once again Sam got between them. Paul growled at Sam, backing off once more. He was going to be stuck as a wolf forever at this rate.

Jared controlled himself enough to phase and all three of them padded into the woods.

So what are you gonna do?

Paul sighed at Jared’s question, dropping down to his belly and putting his paws over his eyes as if it would quell the urge to go and look for her.

You need Billy or Harry on your side. It’s your only hope.

Paul lifted his head and looked at Sam who was watching Paul carefully where he lay in the dirt.

Why them?

Charlie, Billy and Harry raised those girls together. You remember how attached Rachel, Rebecca and Leah were with her. Those men will know how to get you in her good books.

Paul considered Sam’s words and huffed a sigh when he realised he had no other choice. If he wanted to get to know you then something drastic had to change.

…

Harry laughed until he was bowed over and then told him to go away. Paul understood, things were less than amicable between the pack and Leah which in turn affected Harry’s ability to help when he didn’t feel he was needed.

It was still fucking annoying.

So Paul found himself sitting at Billy Black’s kitchen table and telling the whole story from start to finish. When he relayed the last detail he sat back and watched Billy process everything.

“You boys can never do anything the easy way.” Billy sighed and ran a hand over his face. “She might hate the wolves more than even Leah. She considers that girl her sister. And watching the hurt Leah suffered because of the imprint bond, well it changed things.”

“I will do anything Billy. Just to be able to have a five minute conversation with her. It’s been two weeks and I haven’t seen her.” Paul sighed, his exhaustion ringing out in every word he spoke.

“Well, we need to plan carefully-“

The front door opened after a short knock and Paul held his breath when your voice called out for Jacob and then Billy.

“Hey, old man. Where’s your kid?” You turned the corner and paused when you took in the scene in front of you. Paul could’ve cheered when you didn’t immediately glare at him.

“He and Bella went out early. I don’t know where. Why do you need him?” Billy didn’t acknowledge that Paul was in the room and he was grateful because it gave him a chance to just watch you, absorb all the details he had missed before.

“My car is doing that stupid thing again. The gear shift keeps getting jammed in reverse.” You sighed and Paul raised his eyes to the heavens above and thanked every spirit there was.

“I could have a look at that, if you need?” He offered quietly and you looked him over, blinking as if just remembering he was here.

“You?” Paul didn’t know if the disbelief was because he dared speak to you or because you doubted his ability.

“I uh, pick up a shift or two in the garage just off the Rez. If you can spare the afternoon I can bring it up now and fix it?” Paul wasn’t sure when he turned into this quiet, meek man. He hadn’t been unsure of himself in a long time.

“I’ve got work. This afternoon.” You explained and Paul shrugged.

“I’ll head up there with you? Take the truck back to the garage and have it back to you before your shift is over.” Paul tensed every muscle in his body and begged the spirits to keep his luck moving.

“Jake won’t be back until after dark. They’ve been doing this for days.” Billy encouraged and Paul could’ve kissed the old man. Instead he vowed to serve him for eternity.

“You’re sure you can fix it today?” You asked and Paul released a breath. “Cause I can just wait for Jake if it’ll take you too long.”

“Two hours, three at a push.” You considered his answer before glancing at the clock on the wall and back to Paul.

“Are you ready to go now, then? I’ve got work in forty minutes.” Paul jumped out of his chair and it clattered to the ground causing everyone to flinch.

He hadn't always had the power to act on his ideas, his own inflated self of importance years ahead of how others thought of him. But he had saved them somewhere in the recess of his brain for later use.

Watching the young girl face her audience, watching the grim determination overcome her features as she attempted not to cry. Well it was all just a little bit too much for Julia. She excused herself from the viewing room and locked the bathroom door with shaking hands.

She would die, that little girl. She would die and no one would remember her in a year. No one ever remembered the losers. That was the point. She understood it all. Or at least she had once. She had sat at dinner parties and laughed about it all, like it was trivial. But it wasn't. Those children died.

Julia thought of her own children, her grandchildren. Her babies. Grown as they may be, they would always be her babies. She couldn't imagine the pain that went through the mother's hearts as they watched their children reaped, year in and year out.

Her heart weeped while she attempted to her dry her eyes. He would know she had been crying. He always knew. She suspected he probably had cameras here in this very bathroom. In every room. In every house. District and Capitol alike.

By the time Julia had composed herself and taken her seat the readings had moved on and she watched with an aching heart and a disinterested smile on her lips and children sobbed and volunteered and accepted their faith.

But her mind was stuck on young Katniss Everdeen. Of the blonde haired sister, Primrose, who had been reaped. Of how every slip in the glass bowl had held the same name. Hundreds of times over and they didn't even know it.

An offhand comment, a young girl flaunting the rules, hunting in the woods, selling to peacekeepers. Providing for her starving family. She had no idea what she had been risking. She had no idea how heavily watched those woods had been. No idea about how her father had been killed in an accident that had never been an accident and now her sister's reaping, a freak statistic given she had only been entered once.

"She's protecting her family. Her sister." The beginning of a second hand idea. An off hand comment about the girls derision for the rules made by Julia had accidentally ruined that young girls life.

"She'd break the law to protect her sister. I wonder what else she would do?"

///

Julia had met her husband in a hospital. Not very grandeur or romantic. Just a hospital room with beeping machines, weeping cousins and rattled breathing from an old lady. Coriolanus hadn't cried. Tigris had done enough for the both of them.

Julia had been a medic in training. Assigned the slower cases, the elderly and the terminal. She didn't do much besides record heart rates and administer Morphling. Mrs. Snow had been her patient. She had spent her dying days in the hospital and consequently, Julia had met a young Coriolanus Snow.

She almost hadn't realised his attempt to romance her, as subtle as it was. Romance would be the wrong word. He had a perfunctory plans with which she fit into. She was educated, of reasonable old money, and most importantly, she was pretty.

While Julia had never asked Snow of his past, she had known a substantial amount. She had known of Lucy Gray Baird, the disappearing victor. Snow had loved her. In the only way he knew how. He had, in his own head, owned her.

Julia was young enough to believe that Coriolanus' desire to possess her was love. He was a handsome man with prospects that varied as wide as the imagination. His charm led Julia to believe he could do anything. His vanity led him to believe, and achieve, the same.

They had married quickly as Coriolanus rose in the ranks of game makers, his ideas allowing him to stand out. The renovations of the arena, the victor parades, the primping and beautifying of tributes.

Every suggestion he made was received with praise and rejoicing at the new age of the Hunger Games. By the time the last of their three children had been born, Coriolanus was directly involved with the Quarter Quell. His studies were almost completed and his ideas revered. Every year something bigger and better came from him.

For the Quarter Quell it had to be special. It had to be massive. It had to be his very best idea.

"I just don't think the academy mentors can relate to those children." Tigris had said at tea one day.

And thus the Victors were dragged back to the Capitol kicking and screaming to try and keep those children alive. To fail, over and over in the wider districts because any living mentor from those districts were once offs, lucky escapes and the most fortunate of unfortunate circumstances.

///

By the time their first grandchild arrived on the scene Coriolanus was Head Gamemaker. The second ever Quarter Quell was fast approaching and trouble had been rising in the districts again. It had been making those in the Capitol uneasy and it hadn't gone unnoticed that certain things had become limited such as coal and fruit.

"You can't go back and punish them harder. You can't just make it worse. Is losing twenty four children not enough?" Julia had asked.

The announcement that the victors would be doubled should not have surprised her. It should not have made her gasp. Nothing should have after thirty five years of knowing Coriolanus.

She had learned over and over that truly nothing was below him. She hadn't known everything of course. Not from the beginning or else she was sure she would never have married him. She could've been free. She could've gotten away before she had been dragged under.

She had thought about it once. Leaving. Times had been rough, her marriage on tenuous grounds as her husband's evil began to shine through without shame. He had been a servant, the man who had taught her what love actually felt like.

Her second child had been born only weeks before and Julia associated those weeks and months that followed with a deep sadness. Alarbus had taken notice of her, cared for her when he found her crying. He had tasted the salt on her lips the first time he had kissed her.

Avox's had just began to become common punishment in the Capitol, traitors who lost the use of their voice and had their tongues removed.

Alarbus found out the hard way that it was not a painless procedure. His tongue had been presented in a gift box while Julia had been nursing her daughter. She had almost dropped the baby in shock. Alarbus, who had presented his own tongue under his master's orders, had caught her.

He disappeared the next day, something Julia presumed had to do with the bloody razor left in her bathroom. She didn't know which of her lovers had left it to her, which would hurt more.

///

President Coriolanus Snow. It had been terrifying as his enemies dropped in the months following his Inauguration. No one could argue with him now. Least of all his lowly wife who spent hours avoiding her husband and his greed for more power.

His dinner parties with victors whom he had chosen to be his special pet projects. The young boy with the winning smile, the golden haired siblings, the genius engineer, the razor toothed beauty. All his to keep and show off. Rewards and bribes for powerful men and women.

He ruined everyone he touched. His own cousin had cast herself out, ruining her beauty just to remove association to this monster of a man. A monster she had tried to shelter from the darkness, not knowing it lived within him.

He had brought this darkness onto himself. He had followed his ideas to the end, his weapon had become a double edged sword. Punishing Katniss Everdeen for trying to keep her family alive had brought an end to his reign. The Capitol looked just as it had when Julia was eight and bombs and gunfire were the sounds she associated with daily life.

A full circle had been formed. They had returned to the dark days, all because of her husband's obsessive watch of the District 12 fence. Hoping that one day his song bird would climb it and return. Hoping one day he would get his chance to own everything he had ever wanted.

Instead he had taken her free spirit and accidentally set it alight with the districts.

The last straw had been the song.

Something ticked in Coriolanus' jaw. A muscle, a nerve. Julia didn't know. What she did know was that the end was near. The Hanging Tree echoed beautifully around the empty viewing room. A wine glass sat to Julia's left. A glass that was always within reach but she had never drank from.

Her husband had gotten drunk and loose lipped once. He had told her of Lucy Gray Baird and Sejanus Plinth. So now Julia laughed because she knew Lucy Gray Baird would have. She knew Sejanus Plinth would have. She knew the rebels would.