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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 14, 2013 21:25:47 GMT -5
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Rachael was going hiking with friends today in the woods of La Push. She wasn't a hiker, and she wasn't sure these were her friends but she was trying to make an effort. They were too, which surprised her at how easy she got alone with everyone now. In high school she had felt alone sometimes, but now she felt more comfortable in her own skin and sure of things.
"I've just got to go meet Paul so he can find us." Walking from where they were she went the distance to the edge of the cliff, to look out over it. It was then she Paul a distance away. Smiling she waved her arms up so he could see her and find her easy, since she wasn't sure if her voice would carry well the distance. "Paul!" He had said he could meet them later, because he had to do something before hand so they had planned to meet up at lunch. The group was back a ways behind her getting the packed lunch ready. From here they were going to hit another trail then go home for the day. "Up here!"
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 14, 2013 22:01:31 GMT -5
Paul had been planning to meet up with Rachael because they were going hiking in the woods. He knew these woods like the back of his hand cause of all the patrols he'd done, and because of his keen sense of direction -- as it was a wolf thing. The most important thing was that he was able to spend time with Rachael. Thats all he wanted. And the guys were often encouraging him to do so because according to them, she helped keep him in a good mood. He knew that that was part of imprinting; the peace and calmness that they got from being with the one they loved. And while Paul would probably take the longest to feel that calm . . . he didn't look at it like that when he was with her. He loved her. And that one word alone, described so much of how he felt when he was near her.
He was on one side with her on the other and chuckled to himself as she waved her arms to make sure he could see her. He waved back, seeing her -- and hearing her -- quite clearly. He however froze mid wave when he saw something rather large approaching her from behind. His eyes slightly widened with concern. "Rach! Turn around!" He said, though he knew that those words wouldn't help because . . . what was she going to do?! The bear was massive! And she was so small and delicate! Paul knew he couldn't risk it because the beast looked like it was getting ready to attack. Unable to wait another moment, he spun around and ran into the trees. He ran and ran, taking off his shoes and pants while doing so, and waited until the right moment to phase so that he could move faster.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 14, 2013 22:36:35 GMT -5
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Paul said something but she couldn't hear him. Wait around? Ok. Though there was something in his face. He turned to begin running, and she finally picked up on the words. Turn around. Turning she looked over her shoulder, and felt her heart kick up. Not even thinking about WHERE she was she spun around to face the bear, and took a step backwards, only to step off the edge. She felt herself fall the few feet as she slipped over the edge until her hands caught the ground, and she let out a startled short scream that was cut off suddenly from the impact of catching herself.
The bear took a few steps closer to her, and she wasn't sure if she'd be better off letting go of the edge or staying here with the bear. She let out another scream as she slipped some, but then forced herself to literately get a grip of something, and hold on. "HELP!" She screamed, but then knew that she could be leading the others into danger so she stopped. The bear came even closer and she looked back over the edge, almost expecting to see see Paul down there, but he wasn't.
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 14, 2013 23:01:47 GMT -5
Wolf Paul raced through the woods, weaving through the trees and with his speed, it didn't take long to reach the other side where he saw the bear . . . but no Rachael! That was what he thought until he saw her fingers . . . at the edge of the cliff! He didn't have time to find a way to make the bear stay away. He stepped out of the wooded concealment and looked at the bear, snarling so that the beast saw his teeth and size. The bear growled back, but felt that instinctive fear of his own being. So the bear because to lower itself from its threatening position, to return on all fours and quickly ran away. Paul made sure it was out of sight before took a few steps back so that he could use the trees to hide himself.
He then phased back into his human form and ran out but only made it a few steps before he remembered he was naked! Damn it! He ran back to the trees, racing to where he had phased which wasn't too far away and grabbed his pants -- not bothering with his shoes.He quickly slipped them on and felt rather relieved that her friends weren't nearby to see a naked Paul running around the woods. He then ran back out to the cliff and went to the edge, quickly pulling Rachael up and immediately pulled her into his arms. "Are you ok?" He asked, worry filled in his voice. His eyes looked over her to see if she was harmed in any way -- apart from the emotional trauma this may have caused her.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 14, 2013 23:13:34 GMT -5
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There was growling up there, but she couldn't see what was happening. Were there two?! She was about to yell again, when hands grabbed her, and she looked up to see who had her--but at the same time she KNEW. She knew it because the hands were warm, and strong. "Paul!" He pulled her up and Rachael clung to him, holding him tightly, while looking around for any sign of the animal that had caused her to step over the edge.
No where in her mind at this point did she wonder where his shoes where. How he got here do fast. Where his shirt was. What had happened. She was only glad he had her, and she knew that he would keep her safe. "I want to home." She whispered to him, holding him tightly, and just wanting to be held by him. She also just wanted to be held by Paul, and not have to explain to her father or brother why she was so upset, and with Paul's Dad being away on business she knew where she wanted to go. "Take me to you house. Please." She wanted out of the woods.
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 14, 2013 23:30:27 GMT -5
He could feel her shaking which only made him holder her closer and more securely near him. He was using all the strength within him to contain his anger. Anger at that damn bear who's head he wanted to rip off. Anger at himself for not having been closer to her . . . for not having protected her better. But he had to control his anger. Because the last thing she needed right now, was to see him phase and find out he was a wolf. "Of course Ray, anything," he assured her, lightly kissing the top of her head. As they headed down to where she parked the car, he took the keys from her, and opened the door for her to help her in before he got into the drivers seat. He drove to his place, repeating the actions; helping her out of the car and leading her into his house.
Furthermore, leading her to his bed, folding back the blanket before slightly lifting her to help her lie down and then pulling the blanket over her. His mind was not thinking of what it would be otherwise: Rachael lying in his bed . . . just the two of them . . . no. He wanted to help calm her down and make sure she felt ok. He went to the other side and climbed onto the bed, sitting in an upright position with his legs forward and his back against the board of the bed. He pulled her toward him, holding her. Where words may fail him, he hoped his actions spoke how he felt. And that she would tell him what she needed from him.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 14, 2013 23:46:34 GMT -5
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Paul got them home, and she knew it had to be hard for him to drive her car and for once not comment, but even this detail escaped her for the moment. Once in his room she curled up in his lap and just let him hold her while the shaking slowly stopped. "Thank you," She whispered, as he held her. She felt warm and safe and like nothing could touch her here. Paul would protect her. While her mind knew he was not super strong, and he could not have fought off the bear, she wasn't thinking about that right now. She was only thinking about the cliff, and falling.
Rachael must have fallen sleep in his arms, because when she woke up a few hours later, it was dark. Her dad would be worried! Slipping out of bed she went to call him and explain that she was staying at a friends--one of the ones she was hiking with. That would calm him. Standing beside the bed she looked for her phone, but was distracted by a sleeping Paul. He was cute asleep. All sweet looking and none of the ego or temper. She noticed he had undressed before joining her because he wasn't wearing a shirt. That made her smile as she looked for the phone again
But she stopped whens he realized that no. Paul had no shirt on in the car either. Had he taken it off beside the car? Thinking back other details came to her. Shirt, shoes, growls. Where had the bear gone? Turning Rachael looked down at Paul and tried to sort out her thoughts. How had he crossed the distance so quickly? Where were his clothes? What had growled at the bear? Finding her phone, she picked it up and walked out the of the room to sit on his couch and instead of calling her father she found herself on Google.
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 14, 2013 23:59:44 GMT -5
It didn't take too long for Rachael to fall asleep, and Paul watched her, wanting to make sure she was in a deep slumber in case she woke up afraid or panicked. Sam had dropped by and he had to explain to him that he wouldn't be able to patrol tonight. Sam seemed to understand without having to ask for the explicit details. There was no way Paul was leaving Rachael alone. What if she woke up and he wasn't here? It would make him look like an ass and besides . . . he wanted to make sure she was alright. In this highly relaxed state, he found himself drifting off too, and after being sure that she was fast asleep, he let himself sleep as well. It was a restful one, and he wasn't sure how long he had been asleep before he opened his eyes.
What started as a gentle awakening suddenly became an abrupt one as he quickly sat up, not seeing Rachael next to him. "Rachael?" He asked, looking around the room. He heard some noises coming from the main living room and got off the bed and headed toward the room."Ray, what are you doing?" He asked, wondering what had prompted her to get out of bed. "You should be resting." Not be using the computer and doing . . . whatever she was doing. She had been through a traumatic event! She needed to relax and take it easy. He walked up to the couch, holding out his hand so that she could take it and he could pull her up from the couch. "Come back to bed," he added, suggesting that he would continue lying right next to her.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 15, 2013 0:27:59 GMT -5
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"There is something in the woods." She whispered and looked at Paul from her phone. She was trying to explain things but she knew that often she failed to explain them so he'd understand. So instead she turned her phone around to show him the news article she was reading about hikers who were saying they saw a large wolf in the woods, but others were saying it was a bear. Some swear it was all black, and others said grey or brown. There were many articles, dating back months and even a year. They were all over the local news papers, which meant in small towns everyone would be talking about it.
Paul would have to know. "I saw you. When we waved and you were too far away to hear." She began. "Then I turned and saw the bear. I fell." Her voice had the fear in it from the memory but she kept explaining while looking right into Paul's face. "I'm not that strong, Paul. I could not have held on long but . . . I heard something. Something large approach and growl. The bear didn't fight, it must have just ran away because this was bigger. I am even guessing it might have chased down the bear, which explains why it wasn't there when you arrived."
"But none of it explains why you were undressed. Where did you clothes go? How did you get up there so fast and--" She tossed the phone to the couch beside her and held out her arms. Small scratches from her event today were there. Nothing major, and none would leave a mark but she had bruises and scratches from it. Standing she walked toward Paul. "--and why are you not even bruised? You pulled me up. Even if you were strong, there would surely be a mark?"
Her eyes looked up into his. "I don't understand. I can't sleep because I can't figure it out."
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 15, 2013 0:36:46 GMT -5
Oh . . . well . . . damn. Paul knew that Rachael was extremely smart, and it was only a matter of time until she noticed something . . . odd about him. But like this? It wasn't exactly how he had wanted to explain things to her. And maybe it didn't have to be. She was throwing out all these things, connecting them together, while asking questions. She had picked up on every detail -- even the fact that didn't have his clothes on. So what should he say in this moment? How should he react? He felt dumbfounded, as if any rational explanation couldn't be said. Was there a way for her to let this go? He didn't want her to find out this way. She had already been through so much today . . . he didn't want to add on to that. He looked at her arms when she revealed them, his eyes scanning over them to make sure none of the wounds were too deep. Otherwise, he would have to take her to get them properly attended to.
She finished everything off by saying she couldn't sleep because she didn't understand any of this. And once again, Paul didn't know how to explain it without using the truth. Not that that would really explain anything."Rach, its late. You've been through a lot. Why don't you just come back to bed and it'll all make sense when you wake up. Come on," he urged. He took her hand in his and attempted to lead her back into the bedroom. Even if he could physically over power her, he wasn't going to force her to move from where she stood. It would have to be her choice. But his words were ones meant to divert her attention. To distract her from finding the logic of everything that had happened today. When he had seen her in danger, he had not thought about protecting his wolf self . . . his thoughts had only been consumed with doing whatever it took to save Rachael.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 15, 2013 1:19:17 GMT -5
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He basically just dismissed everything she said, even if it was in the nicest way that Paul could manage to do it. She refused to budge were she was standing, and pulled at her hand until he relaxed his grip enough for her to slide out of it. He was so strong. Most so then anyone else she had ever known, and warm. So very warm, and while that had always given her comfort it did not do so now. Why? What was happening. She was smart, smart enough to make connections. Paul hung out with Jake, and Jake became more like Paul. And Sam. And the others.
"If you are tired you should go to bed." She dismissed him in return, "But do not treat me as if I am crazy. I know what I saw. I know . . . . " She looked at him again and took a step back. "What is happening here?" She was giving him one chance to tell her what he knew because she knew he knew something! Why else would he had undresses when a BEAR was there? What happened up there?
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 15, 2013 12:45:01 GMT -5
Paul knew that he could lose her if he wasn't honest with her. He also knew that she wasn't going to let this go. She wasn't the kind of person to just forget about something when she couldn't understand it. Something of this magnitude anyway. And the way she stepped back from him, told him a great deal. "Ray, look, I need you to trust me, alright?" Because none of this was going to be easy to explain. He knew it was inevitable . . . and he had been hoping to put it off longer, but time did not seem to be a luxury he had right now. He was busted. And Rachael wanted -- needed -- answers. "You should sit down," he added, since this wasn't exactly something that she should be standing for. Come to think of it, he hadn't even thought of what he was going to say, or how he was going to say it.
And he had no time to figure it out. Unless . . . was it possible to stall a bit longer? Maybe? He wasn't sure. He would have to see. His gut told him no though. He waited for her to sit down before he would join her. He supposed he was just waiting to see if she would sit down, or if she would leave. She was giving him a chance right now and didn't want to blow it. But once again that fear of losing her filled him. He always had that feeling whenever she left for school, yet knowing she would be back. This time . . . he actually felt terrified that she may not come back. No. He couldn't think like that! Since when was Paul afraid of anything anyway?! He remained completely calm, not letting his fears be shown to her.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 15, 2013 15:23:38 GMT -5
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He was asking her to trust him, and she did but there was something about him asking for her trust in this moment that made her wonder if he was hiding something. Then he asked her to sit, and she hoped this was him beginning to tell her the truth or explain what happened.
Turning from him she moved back to the couch and slowly she sat down. She'd give him this chance to tell her, because she needed him to open up to her. She needed to understand what happened there, and what was happening here. The time for secrets were over, and she wanted--and she needed to know everything so they could have it all in the open.
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 15, 2013 16:19:12 GMT -5
Paul watched her as she sat down, and he did the same, sitting down next to her. He was silent for a few moments, trying to gather his thoughts. How did he start? Where did he start? Should he just strip down and phase right in front of her? Hell no. That would freak her out and she was already freaked out. He needed to explain this through words. Though being tactful with how he phrased things wasn't exactly a strength of his. "Do you know anything about the Quileute legends?" Everyone heard stories . . . and he wondered if she knew the history of it. So that he would have a starting point. So that he could explain that what happened back then, was real. And it was happening now . . . to him, and the others. Including her brother.
It still wasn't going to be easy to tell her all this. But he knew that if it had to come from anyone, it was him. Jake wasn't going to tell her, not even Billy. And of course none of the other guys. They were the ones who told their girls. And Paul wasn't going to be a coward about it. He was going to tell her. Yes. He was going to do this! And yet . . . he still felt nervous doing so.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 15, 2013 17:01:12 GMT -5
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Did she know what? That was the last thing she expected to hear him say right now. Apart of her just wanted to tell him to not beat around the bush and just tell her what was happening but she also knew that sometimes people needed to explain things their own way. It didn't mean it made it easier to let him start at something that had no meaning to their current conversations.
"Just the stories that Dad used to tell Jake at bed time." They were part of their history and she had heard them all before, but she had never really paid attention to detail. Once she had even thought about trying to collect them all for a book, but she had never started or let it go beyond a thought.
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 15, 2013 18:16:48 GMT -5
Stories. Little did she know that they were not just stories. They were so much more than that. Paul too had thought that they were just stories . . . that they were legends. That is, until he phased for the first time. That, was when he realized just how much of a reality they were. It was a part of they're history. "Right, so then you know that we're descendants from wolves then . . . " Literally. He started with that though to see how she would react to it. Would she go for logical and say that's impossible? Would she . . . well hmm, what was the other possibility.
She was smart, super smart. He knew he would have to convince her a lot so that he didn't sound crazy. "They're not just stories Rach. They're a part of our history." There! That sounded smart! He was really only quoting her father, the way he told the past during the campfires. Maybe he should just quote all that Harry said . . . then he would sound smart for sure!
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 15, 2013 18:35:51 GMT -5
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They were what? No, that was what was said back before they understood more about the world. Why was he starting here? It was frustrating to not understand, and want answers, and the only person who could give them to you was telling you that he came from wolves. "They are stories, Paul. It's not real." She reminded him, hoping it would make him explain why he was saying this.
"What does this have to do with today?" Was he saying a wolf came and made a bear back down. Why would a bear back down from a wolf and what did it have to do with the stories and why had been taken off his clothes? Rachael had a thought in the back of her mind, were she was trying to make the connection, but it was so cartoonishly impossible that she didn't even think it. "Was there a wolf there?"
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 15, 2013 19:51:20 GMT -5
She said what he expected her to, that they were just stories. Fictional legends that couldn't possibly be true. Oh how he had a ton to explain to her. She then asked something that was getting close to what he was trying to get at. What he didn't know was if she was asking sarcastically or was genuinely curious. Either way, he knew he had to respond with the truth. Otherwise he wasn't going to get anywhere when it came to explaining all this. "Yeah, there was," he said, trying to sound as casual as possible.
"The wolf was the one that scared off the bear." The wolf, meaning him. "They're protectors of La Push. Meant to keep any threat away and eliminate any that are wandering around." There. Time to get the truth going. Only what he wasn't yet revealing . . . was that he was one of those protectors. That the wolves weren't just animals. But he would get to that. Right now he needed to define their role to introduce her to the idea and reassure her that the wolves were good rather than the threat she should be worried about. He waited to see how she would process that before continuing forward.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 15, 2013 20:24:47 GMT -5
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This did not sound like Paul. Paul was many things but he didn't make up grand stories that were impossible to believe. Wolves? Her eyes went to her phone, and she thought of the news papers she had just been reading. Ones about great big animals. Bigger then wolves but witness claimed they were. Looking back up at him, she tried to following. Protecting La Push? From what? Why had she not heard of them before, while she lived here in high school.
She didn't say anything, as she let him explain but he was taking it slowly. Rachael wasn't even sure she believed him, and his belief in this story was clear in his tone; and that worried her. Still, she was letting him explain things, so she could know everything (according to him) before she tried to find out more. "Wolves are protecting us from threats in the woods?"
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 15, 2013 20:46:28 GMT -5
"Wolves are protecting us from threats in the woods?" Well when she put it like that . . . it sounded pretty stupid. Ok, well, technically Paul had put it like that, but still! How else was he supposed to phrase it! Maybe he should have been a coward after all and gotten Emily to explain it to her. She was in the same position as Rachael, being an imprintee. She could explain it well, right? Though Paul was all too aware that it was far too late to change the circumstances. He had to tell her now, or he was worried she would walk out that door and never trust him again. Not to say she would trust him after what he was going to tell her. "Yeah, thats right," he confirmed. "They're here to protect the people of La Push." He was stalling from getting to the main part.
"And . . . I'm one of them." A protector of their reserve. Against vamps, and any other unwelcome stranger. He also knew that he may need to elaborate, otherwise she may misunderstand him and assume that he was just a protector, not necessarily a wolf. "Its, hard to explain. But think about the legends. About how our ancestors protected La Push. Do you remember what they did?" They turned into wolves. And if she was familiar with the legends, she would know that much. If she didn't, he would have to explain to her. And again, if she did . . . he would still have to convince her that they were real.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 15, 2013 21:51:11 GMT -5
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"And . . . I'm one of them." He was one of them? Like they made a group and they all protected La Push and called themselves The Wolves? Like a team or a . . . pack? Is this what Jake was into?! It still didn't explain a lot about today but it did about what was happening with her brother and the other boys. They were a team who thought they were protecting the reservation.
"Do you remember what they did?" In the stories. They would---"Paul?" She knew what they did, and she couldn't believe he was saying this. THIS. "Whatever you are trying to say, I need you to speak very plainly and say it, because right now it seems like you are trying to tell me you turn into an over sized wolf and-and guard the reservation from outsiders." Which was impossible.
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 15, 2013 22:10:14 GMT -5
Rachael seemed to catch on. He could tell by what she said, how she said it, and her face when she said it. But hey! She phrased it perfectly! Now why couldn't Paul say it like that? "I couldn't have said it better myself," he said, deciding that he would give further confirmation. "Cause thats exactly what I'm trying to tell you." That he phased into a wolf. He waited for her to now process that piece of information. Which really, was the key to all of this. There was a lot more to it -- of course -- but this was the basis of it all. He was part wolf because as long as those leeches were near, La Push needed its protectors.
"Don't freak out Ray," he added, knowing that was easier said than done. But he didn't want her to think him crazy or freak out and run out of here. She didn't seem the type to run away from him but . . . he had never mentioned this before. Nor had he practiced by telling someone else who had no idea, the truth about who -- or what -- he really was. All he could do was wait, and watch her reaction. See if she needed calming down or further convincing.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 15, 2013 22:29:54 GMT -5
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Don't freak out? He was saying that he thought he and the others were . . . . were . . . werewolves?! Rachael stared at him for a long moment, just letting that sink in as she tried to think of something to say to help him without calling him crazy and insulting him. The last thing she wanted to do was make him angry, because she didn't believe him.
Yet she also had to be honest. "I am trying very hard to decide if you are mocking me, or are confused." She admitted, but her tone said she wasn't angry at him, only more confused. "Paul, people can't turn into wolves. They are just stories. Ones that have been told for years."
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 15, 2013 23:07:44 GMT -5
"I'm not mocking you and I'm not confused," he told her. At least she wasn't freaking out . . . not yet anyway. She was still disbelieving of it and Paul could understand that. If someone had told him all this before he phased he would have thought they were crazy. For a lot of people, seeing was believing. Maybe she fell into that category as well. "They're not just stories Ray," he reitereated. "They're a part of our history. They're true." He wasn't sure what else he could say to convince her . . . so maybe it was time to show her.
He rose to his feet and took off shirt. "Come with me, I wanna show you something," he said, holding his hand out for her. This may be the only way to really convince her that he wasn't bat shit crazy. That this was all very real, and then they would deal with it from there. He would of course have to show her outside though since he couldn't exactly phase in his house. It was a bit too small. That, and he would hold off on taking his pants off in front of her. Even he knew that may freak her out . . . though probably less than what he was about to show her now.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 15, 2013 23:19:19 GMT -5
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She was trying to take in everything he said, when he stood up and begin removing his clothes. It made her mind pause of everything else as she watched him hold out his hand. Go with him where? Why did he not need a shirt? Standing up she took his hand, and let him lead her where he wanted her. She had that trust in him, to not question her safety but go with him. Rachael only hoped that this turned out to be a dream. Because this Paul was confused.
When they got to his back door she paused long enough to borrow his coat--one he never needed since he was so warm--because she didn't have her own, before taking his hand again and going with him. "Where are we going?" She asked, wondering if he was going to take her to their team--err, pack--meeting or something so she could understand their secret better. Surely they didn't really turn into wolves, and they only used that as code words?
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 15, 2013 23:45:50 GMT -5
As they made their way to the backdoor, Rachael asked where they were going and . . . well, once again he knew it would be better to show her rather than try to tell her. "Trust me," he said again as he led her outside. They walked a bit ahead, but not too far from the house, just in a clearing. He then turned to face her, taking a few long moments to look at her before he leaned down and kissed her lips. He let the embrace linger, until he eventually pulled away. "Don't be afraid," he told her in a quiet voice. Again, easier said than done, but he wanted to reassure her as much as he could while he coud still verbally communicate with her.
"I'll be right back," he added and then turned to walk into the concealment of the trees where she could no longer see him. When here, he proceeded to take off his pants and hang them over a tree branch so he would be able to access them again. And then . . . he phased. The emotions associated with it weren't as intense. It wasn't an impulsive burst of anger that had made him phase. Being around Rachael was allowing him to better moderate his angry emotions -- which was part of the purpose of imprinting. When he did face he took a few extra moments before he stepped into the clearing where she was, finally revealing himself to her.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 16, 2013 13:22:38 GMT -5
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He lead her to the woods, which wasn't a place she felt safe in right now. After today she wanted to avoid the woods for a while, because every time she looked at them she felt the fear from today. But still she went with him, trusting him enough to show her what he needed to. When he kissed her, she felt a bit better, but when he left her that disappeared.
Rachael wasn't sure what she expected. The boys in their gang or pack to come out wearing headdresses of wolves, or something to explain what he meant. When she hear a sound like something big had moved, she backed up a step, and her eyes were stuck on the place Paul had disappeared too.
Then she begin to see it, coming from the darkness. At firs it was only a noise, fading in from the black, to the small light of the place she was in. It was higher then it should be for a dog or wolf, having to be over her head with it's size. Then a face appeared, and slowly as it advanced in careful steps the whole grey-sliver body of a wolf--bigger then any bear--was walking toward her.
She tried o take a frightened step back, but ended up tripping over her own feet and falling on her but, with a alarmed half scream and half cry. Rachael wasn't sure what expression was on her face, but she knew what she felt. Afraid, panic, and confusion. "P-p-paul?" She whispered, as if still not believing.
Forcing herself to her feet, she stood there watching the animal. This was Paul? This was what he was hiding from her? From everyone? His others words started to come back to her. About their history. Protectors. The pack---oh no. Jake. The other boys.
She reached her hand out as if to touch him but even quicker pulled it back, since she wasn't sure what was allowed and what he was capable of as this animal. Every human aspect of her said run. Said animals this big were dangerous to her. To everyone.
But this was Paul. "Paul?"
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 16, 2013 21:07:26 GMT -5
When Paul was in her presence, he could see the evident fear on her face, even more so when she staggered back, falling to the ground and letting out a cry. Paul paused for a moment, before he continued to step closer to her. She looked terrified, yet still seemed to be aware that it was him. He hoped that was what was keeping her here now. She had been so close to touching him but appeared to change her mind as she drew back her hand, questioning if it was him, or perhaps acknowledging that it was.
He wished he could speak to her, assure her that everything was alright. Instead, all he could do was make a small, non threatening sound -- that almost sounded like a whimper. When he was a wolf, he would mostly growl, snarl, and try to look as menacing as possible. This time, he was going for the exact opposite. He moved closer to her, slightly lowering his head so that his nose touched her cheek, somewhat nuzzling her right now. He wanted her to know that it was ok. That he was no threat to her. That -- thanks to her -- he had enough control of himself in this form that he would never hurt her. And that she did not have to be afraid of him.
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Post by ♧Rachael Black♧ on Dec 16, 2013 21:31:29 GMT -5
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Rachael stood there as Paul came closer to her. When he moved like her would touch her, her eyes closed and her breath caught as she tried to hold back a flinch. But he was warm, and gentle, like hos she knew Paul was with her. Taking in a shaken breath, her hand lifted to touch what would have been his cheek, and slide back toward his neck.
Protectors. This was why he had meant. This is why Jake cut his hair, and why he left at nights. This was why Paul was gone sometimes. This was the secret that bound the boys together. Paul. Jake. Sam. The younger ones that followed them around . . . some had likened them to puppies once or twice with how they followed so eagerly.
This was what ha changed Paul from the boy to the man. All these thoughts filled her, leaving her hurt for them, and for the life this meant for them.
Lifting her other hand she touched his other side, setting in to bury her face against this fur, as a new cry came from her. While no tears fell, it was her emotions bubbling up. Stepping back she looked into his face, "Can you . . . be Paul again, please." After a short paused, where she was clearly building her confidence, "Can I see?" Him become human again.
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Post by Paul Lahote on Dec 16, 2013 22:38:28 GMT -5
As a wolf, Paul had never let anyone touch him before. He would bite their hand off before he let them. But everything was different with Rachael. Her touch felt comforting, and had a calming and soothing effect on him. She nestled her head against his fur, and he tilted his head to the side, which was as much of a hug as he could give her in this form. He didn't know what she was thinking, or even how to describe what she was feeling. He knew that there was a lot more to explain, and this was just the beginning. She pulled back, asking if he could be Paul again and . . . seeming to want to watch him phase.
He supposed he should give her some sort of warning if he was to do that in front of her. He gave a bit of a nod, his mind telling her that he would return in a moment, but unable to convey that, he just made a small noise. He quickly ran over to the area he had phased in and carried back his pants in his mouth. He went up to Rachael and dropped his jeans in front of it, lowering his head a bit so that he could meet her gaze. He hoped she knew what he was trying to tell her. Cause the last thing he wanted to do was give her another unexpected shock. Then again, he supposed nothing could top this one.
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