Haven (Paul Lahote Fanfiction)

Taste

William was seated when I entered the restaurant but got up to greet me. He looked dashing in his suit, the deep navy complementing his light sun touched skin. The ruby tie looked great against his white shirt. "Good Evening."

I nodded my head once. "Nice to see you again, William." He smiled back at me with his glinting white teeth.

He pulled out the chair for me. I sat down and smiled politely at him as he crossed to the other side to take his place.

"How are you?" He asked, his deep voice soothing.

"I'm great, thank you. What about you?"

"Good. So the shipment is late which is why we will have to postpone the meeting. All the manufacturing parties is ready with their individual material...." He began giving me the details of the materials and the statistics. I occasionally adjusted some details and added a few things.

"Would you like some wine?" He asked when our food arrived. "Sure." I replied, i hadn't had it in so long.

"You will have to make a speech at the LaPush and Forks schools, to create awareness." He informed. The colour drained from my face. Those kids and i were practically the same age, it would be excruciatingly awkward. I will definitely ask Mandy. "Great." I lied. I never thought we would be "creating awareness," that was the principles and mayors job.

The waiter refilled my glass and i was pleased. The wine tasted amazing, the rich flavour and warm temperature, but I didn't want to have much, considering the ride back home. Soon there was no business to talk about so we started talking about our lives. He also told me that a new road opened that connects Forks and Port Angeles and cuts one hour and forty five minutes of total drive time. I was glad.

"Oh! My French is as terrible as it can be." He complained

"It can't be that bad." I protested

"Peut-être que je peux essayer de te dire à quel point tu es belle ce soir."

I blushed, unable to help it. 'Maybe I can try to tell you how beautiful you are tonight' he said in French "Je vous remercie." I thanked him, ducking my head a little.

Very soon, William was walking me to the reception. On our way, we passed the ballroom where people were enjoying a party, drunk and dancing. Upbeat Spanish music played, and couples clung to each other, feet moving rapidly and sometimes slow.

I had slowed my speed unintentionally and was looking inside the ballroom. "Do you wish to dance." I really didn't mind. "We'd be crashing a party." I said otherwise. "True." He sighed. Then offered his hand and i took it, giggling. The guards opened the huge double doors and in a twinkling William and i were dancing.

He spun me around and dipped me multiple times. He was a good dancer. Then he pulled me close and said, his mouth at my ear, "You are a good dancer." The he let me go, our hands still together, both of us stretching our arms before he pulled me back, my back pressed to his chest. "Merci." I said. The dancing ended and I said, "We should really leave." He nodded and led the way.

We laughed and joked as we waited at the reception for the valet to bring our cars. Mine came first. "I had a nice time." William spoke. "Yes. So did I." I confirmed. He pulled my hand to his lips and gave it a kiss. I blushed, "I hope to see you again." I spoke as he straightened himself, his shoulders filling all the space in his suit. "Hopefully very soon." I nodded and exited the hotel doors. The valet holding the car door open for me. "Thank you." I said as I slid in and drove back to LaPush.

I was tired and the house was empty, one living room light switched on. "Paul?" I called out. Nothing, he was not here. I switched that light off and went upstairs. In a few minutes it would be midnight and i had to be functioning tomorrow, lot of amends to make to some files and documents, work to be gotten done around the house. I went to my empty room and washed off the little makeup I had on, then I slipped out of all my clothes and slid into bed. The moon was shining dimly, hidden behind the thick and heavy clouds, rain primed to pour. I thought about my day today, how amazing it was, except for the part where Paul got punched and all that. I slept with a smile tugging on my lips.

Paul came to see me the next morning. He sat on the edge of the bed, speaking softly to wake me up. I smiled and sat up. Paul flushed and looked the other way when he saw my naked body. I put my hand on his arm and it began turning into ash. I pulled it back instantly. He shifted back. "Your hand is burning, Al." I stared at him in shock. "Can you not see the ash!" I accused. "What ash?" he asked. What the hell? "You should go back to sleep, too much to drink last night." He chuckled and stroked my face, then pulled back, his fingertips turning to dust. I wanted to scream but the voice inside me had died. I watched in utter horror and excruciating pain as Paul's whole arm disintegrated. I did that. I ruined him.

I woke up, gasping for breath. It was seven in the morning and I had just had the most awful dream. I stripped the blanket off rushed to the bathroom to inspect my body. I felt dirty. I stood under the shower, eager to feel my skin go cold under the cool water. After I was better. I climbed out and changed into fresh clothes. 'It was just a nightmare, it was just a nightmare.' I told myself repeatedly. "But why did it feel so real?" A voice in me asked. I had to make sure Paul was okay. It was early but i called him anyway.

"Good morning." He said on the third ring. His voice was extra sexy when he woke up, but I couldn't think of that.

"Hi."

"Is something wrong?"

"No."

"Tell me what's wrong. Talk to me." His voice was urgent

"Nothing is wrong. I just wanted to know how you were."

"I'm great, thank you." He said it like it was a question. "Do you want me to come over?"

"No." I said as soon as possible. I did not want Paul to be near me.

"Okay..." He said, offended.

"Sorry, just not right now, maybe in the evening? You should sleep, sorry I woke you." I amended.

"No problem babe. Also would you want to come to a bonfire with me today around five?"

"What bonfire?" I asked.

"It's on the reservation. Everybody you see at Emily's house will be there and more, like the Council Members and others. It'll be fun, please come." He asked so sweetly.

"Absolutely." I agreed.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." I confirmed.

"Will you meet my parents?" He added.

I tensed, unable to say anything.