I wondered if this was how it felt for Bella when she was alone. My days only got more gloomy, and I felt even worse because I could tell I was making my family feel bad. Esme tried to cheer me up, offering to cook me something nice but I refused. I felt guilty, remembering Emily's cooking and how good it tasted. I missed the rambunctious games that Embry and Jared would play. Hell I missed going on perimeter runs with Sam and Jacob. But above all, I missed seeing Paul.

For weeks I stayed away, and my days only got darker. It sounds stupid but the pack was like another family. Being away from him...it hurt like a silver bullet. I had to keep reminding myself I was doing it for their protection just like Carlisle kept reminding me. But more than anything all I wanted to do was run back to La Push and into Paul's arms.

My phone pinged repeatedly throughout the days, the guys were pleading with me to come back. Even Jacob apologized for the way he'd spoken to me the last time I'd seen him. He didn't blame me for trying to protect Edward; but my being between the coven and the pack made my life so much harder than it needed to be. I never responded to any of their messages, but seeing them keep trying to reach me sent a blow to my chest. The only member who seemed to cease messaging me was actually Paul, and I was more upset about that than anything else. Why would he stop? Maybe he finally came to the conclusion that he didn't need me.

It was hard, being away from them. I could barely sleep at night, and I tried to stop phasing for fear that one of the guys would be waiting for me when I did.

One afternoon I walked into the kitchen and saw Esme give me a small smile. I tightened the blanket that was wrapped around my body, my face was blank as I wordlessly walked over to the couch and laid down. Feeling tears building, I shut my eyes and covered my face with the blanket.

"She's getting worse," I could hear her whisper to Carlisle.

He sighed, "I don't know how much longer she'll be able to take this."

I could hear my siblings trickle in, and I paid attention to every word they said, "She phased in the house the other day," Rosalie noted, "I don't know what triggered it."

"She's in pain," Jasper answered, "She misses them."

I heard footsteps coming toward me, picking up Edward's scent, "She misses him. He's all she's been thinking about..." he paused, "I think they imprinted on each other," Again with that word, he sighed "She should go see him."

"But-" Alice started.

Carlisle stopped her, "I think it's a good idea. She's so determined to keep them safe from the Volturi, but in doing so she's practically killing herself."

"She hasn't eaten in days, I miss the fur ball," Emmett's voice was sad.

"I'm going to call Sam," Carlisle determined, "Fill him in on what's been happening. Maybe we can come to some agreement." I heard him dialing a number on the phone and after the first ring I heard Sam's voice through the phone.

"Cate?" His voice sounded hopeful.

"Sorry Sam, it's Carlisle. Cate's not doing too good. We think she might feel a bit better if she went and spent some time with your people," he spoke.

"Yeah, that should be great. Paul could use it. They shouldn't be separated-"

Carlisle agreed, "She was trying to keep her distance for the pack's protection but she's..." his voice dropped, "She's depressed. She can't be away from him."

"Doc, let her come. Then lets you and I meet and make some addition to the treaty."

"Thanks Sam," then he hung up the phone.

I felt a swell of hope in my body, I could go see them. But I stopped myself. I still didn't want to risk putting them in danger with the Volturi.

"No, Cate. It's fine, The Volturi won't bother for now, Alice hasn't seen anything yet," Edward dismissed my thoughts.

I picked my head up slowly, of course he knew I had been listening. Everyone was watching me carefully, probably wondering how I was going to react.

"I-" my voice cracked, having been unused for a little while, "I guess I better go change."

Alice took my hand and walked with me to my room. She sat on my bed while I pulled out a tank top and a pair of shorts. The look in her eye was clear, she did not approve of my outfit choice. But she said nothing as I slipped it on.

I walked out of my room and saw Emmett waiting for me by the door, "I'm going with you, the mut-" he coughed to stop himself, "They are going to meet us at the boarder."

I nodded, walking into his Jeep and staring stoically out the window. As we got to the boarder I felt myself slowly coming out of my shell as Emmett started cracking some of his old jokes.

His once cheerful demeanor changed when he saw the car waiting for us in the middle of the road just before the reservation sign. The first person I saw was Sam standing in the middle with his arms crossed over his chest. I don't know what came over me but before Emmett even stopped the car I felt myself leaving and running to give the guy a hug.

"Nice to see you too Catie-Cat," he smiled.

I heard more footsteps and released Sam to see Jared Embry and one more member, "Who's this?" I asked kindly.

"Hi, I'm Quill Atera!" He smiled eyeing me up and down.

Embry laughed at him, "Watch yourself man, or Paul will beat you up worse than he did Jared," he cautioned. At the mention of Paul I frowned, he wasn't there. The others noticed my change and froze, "He's in the car," Embry nodded his head, "He's been pretty down since you stopped coming around."

Sam rolled his eyes, "Come on out Paul! Someone here to see you!" He ordered.

The car door opened and out he trudged. And boy did he look like shit. His hair was messy, and I could clearly see the bags under his eyes. Seeing him look so bad brought another pang through my chest. I took a step forward and his head immediately snapped up.

The sun peaked out of some clouds and it felt like the air cleared up and I was breathing better. His eyes brightened and he smiled, I found myself running. He grabbed me and held me tight against his body. When we pulled me away he put his hand on my cheek, cleaning away a tear I hadn't noticed had fallen. I saw nothing but his eyes, those beautiful brown eyes.

"Never leave me again," he whispered.

"Never."

His lips on mine felt warm and inviting, it was as if they were made to fit like a piece of a puzzle. It just felt...right. I felt whole again.

Then my idiot of a brother had to go and ruin the moment, "Hey Cate!" Emmett yelled from the car window, "I'll come and get you okay? Just call when you're ready to be picked up!" His voice was loud and obnoxious, he knew damn well what he was doing.

Paul and I separated and he and my bother exchanged the dirtiest of looks before revving the engine, I had to hold Paul back from doing something stupid. Sam sent him a look before walking up to the Jeep.

"You guys go ahead, I need to talk to the Doc!" He waved us along as he opened up and sat in the passenger seat next to Emmett. Clearly uncomfortable, Emmett K-turned and sped away, trying to make the trip as quick and painless as possible.

When they were gone the guys all jumped giving me a tight hug, it was then I noticed who was missing.

"Where's Jacob?"

Quill and Embry frowned, "He's being all mopey because of Bella."

I nodded, "Ah yeah," We all squeezed into the truck and started heading to Billy's, "My brother proposed to her," I told them.

"Are you serious? She's going to marry that bloodsucker?" Paul asked.

I shrugged, "I don't know, I don't think she technically said yes? But if she wants him to be the one to change her, then she will."

Jared gawked, "I can't believe you're actually there, imagine being in a house full of vampires," he shivered.

"They're not that bad!" They all laughed disbelieving.

We parked in front of the Black residence and I bounced over to the door, feeling a lot better than I had minutes before, "Billy! I'm back!" I cheered walking through the door as if I owned the place.

I heard the familiar wheeling and Billy Black smiled when he saw me at the door, "Nice to see you Cate," I looked around trying to find Jacob, "He's in his room."

I turned back and told the guys to wait outside, I let the door close behind me and walked over to Jake's door giving it a light knock, "I'm not hungry," his voice was sad on the other side.

"Well good cause I didn't bring any food," I answered opening the door.

"Cate," He looked at me surprised, "What are you-"

I shrugged, "Figured if the Volturi was going to come kill me, I might as well enjoy the time I have while I have it."

"They're going to come for you?" He asked.

I stopped him, "We're not here to talk about me, I heard you weren't doing all right? Ya'know I wasn't okay for a while too but-"

"But you came back to your imprint and now you're feeling better. Yeah Cate good for you but I don't have an imprint!" He snapped.

I sighed, "I'm getting sick of people using that word!"

He looked at me confused, "But Paul is....wait you still don't know what an imprint is?" He asked.

"If I did then things would make a lot more sense," I grumbled.

He looked at me mighty uncomfortable, it was as if I had just asked him where babies come from, "Well...in basic terms. An imprint is a mate," Ah makes sense I guess, "You really didn't know?"

I shook my head, "All I knew was there was something about him I couldn't get enough of. He was all I could think about, and without him...it was as if the world had gone dark, lost it's color."

"Ya know it's weird hearing you say this and be talking about Paul," he joked.

I giggled, "Yeah well, we're drawn to one another."

"Like gravity pulling you together," he nodded.

"You know the feeling?" I wondered.

He shook his head, "You'd know if I did. The whole pack knew you guys were imprints that day in the backyard when he phased in front of Bella," I rolled my eyes, no wonder they were teasing him after, "Cate, it's good to have you back."

I smiled, "Feels great to be back."

Billy rolled in, "I hate to interrupt, but Cate the boys are outside and Paul looks ready to break through the door to come inside," he chuckled.

I held in laughter, "I better be going. Jake, call me if you need anything. Alright?" I asked, he sent me a sad smile.

The moment I left the house Paul wrapped his arms around me, keeping me close and planting small kisses around my cheek and temple.

Sam soon met back up with us and the guys and I spent a good few hours goofing off. It felt like old times, but now things had changed, we had two more additions along with Quil's joining. Seth and Leah Clearwater, Harry's kids. Turns out they's phased while I was MIA. Seth was a sweetheart, he quickly warmed up to me. Leah, however, was very guarded. Paul was quick to tell me she still hadn't recovered from her father's death. Jared also whispered that she and Sam went out before he imprinted on Emily. Ouch.

It seemed that time went by too quickly and the moon was already at it's peak when I figured I should go home, "I promise I won't disappear this time," I joked whereas the others didn't like my choice as comedy.

"Too soon," Embry told me while Paul clutched me harder.

"I'll walk you to the boarder," he whispered as we stood up and I texted Emmett. It was quiet as we walked hand in hand, "You excited to graduate?" He asked after a moment.

I chuckled, "I mean it's a milestone. Will you come to my graduation?"

He smiled, "Of course."

He leaned in to kiss me when the headlights flashed practically blinding us, "He has impeccable timing," I muttered shielding my eyes from Emmett's headlights.

Paul shot him another dirty look before looking back at me, "Text me when you get home alright?" He asked.

I nodded pecking his lips before jogging into the Jeep. Emmett revved the engine and sped away leaving Paul to jog back in the darkness.

"Have fun?" He smirked at me.

I rolled my eyes, "So much."

When we got back home Carlisle and Esme were waiting for us smiling. He told me that he'd come to an agreement with Sam. I was officially allowed to come and go between the two territories in the treaty as I please, no harm would come to me and Paul was also to be protected by the Cullens. Carlisle added that Paul was more than welcome to come here whenever he wanted to see you but I had to laugh, Paul would kiss Emmett before he set foot into a vampire house. I thanked him anyway and sent a text to Sam thanking him before texting Paul about the addendum.

Seemed like things were turning around for me, I'd finally get to live in both worlds.