Welcome to my new story. I hope you enjoy it. This story takes place AFTER my other story Power of an Imprint. If you have not read that one, some of this story, The Protector, may be confusing and spoil some of the events from Power of an Imprint. So I suggest you read Power of an Imprint first.

For those of you who miss Tala, she pops right up within the first 200 words!

Disclaimer: Do I really have to say that the Twilight world belongs to S. Meyer? Really?

Burrrriing!

Burrrriing!

"Collin! Can you get the phone? I'm elbow deep in grease!" I hollered from underneath a ten-year old Escort. The shop was dead that afternoon, so I sent everyone but Collin home to help close up the shop.

Burrrriing!

"Damn it! Collin?" I quickly dragged my grimy ass out from my hole and rushed towards the phone. I scanned the room and caught a glimpse of Collin outside talking to his recent imprint Ashley. Well, they weren't actually talking since their mouths seemed to be fused together. Oh, the joys of imprinting! You find your mate for life and some couples can't keep their hands off each other. No wonder he didn't hear me or the phone. I was happy for the kid, but man, we're at work!

I let out a growl before I picked up the phone. "Oceanfront Auto, this is Embry," I grunted.

"What got my favorite cousin all pissy?" My cousin Tala asked from the other end of the line.

I grunted again, "Collin and Ashley are suckin' face behind the shop so I had to crawl out from under a car to answer the phone. What do you want?"

"Dang, can't I just call and say hello? What makes you think I want something?"

"Well, your hubby Seth is out patrolling so you didn't call for him and you called me your favorite cousin. You only say that when you want something from me," I chuckled. Tala always seemed to get me out of my grumpy moods.

"Oh you know me so well. Do you think you could please pick up Vanessa from daycare?" Tala pleaded. "Seth will be out awhile with Quil and I'm going with Leah to look at bridesmaids dresses. Leah sprung it on us an hour ago because she found a shop in Port Angeles that carried the one she wants us to wear."

Leah decided to stop phasing into a wolf in order to get married and move to Seattle with her soon-to-be husband, Allen. Allen was a decent guy. If you ask me he's sort of a goofball, but you can tell he'd do anything for Leah. I'll admit it, I was a little jealous. I've always had a thing for Leah and I thought she liked me too. We've hooked up on more than one occasion, but we never went any further with our relationship. We both knew what would happen if we did. If I ever imprinted I wouldn't ever forgive myself for hurting Leah. I don't think she could live through that again since Sam did it to her the first time.

"What about Claire?" I asked Tala who waited for an answer.

Claire was one of the only teenagers in town that the pack trusted with their children. Since she just turned 16 years old and had her own car, she was the go-to girl. It also helped that she was Quil's imprint. You never had to worry about a boy invading your house while she was watching your kids because she didn't date and was obviously head-over-heels for Quil.

"Claire's going with us. She's in the wedding too, you know."

I let out a sigh. "Alright. I'll go get her."

"Good, 'cause I already called the center and told them you were coming," Tala practically sang. "So, pick her up any time, but before 6p.m. Seth shouldn't be too late. Thanks Embry!"

"Yep." I replied and hung up.

To be honest, I adored Vanessa. She was smart and adorable with her huge puppy-dog eyes that pretty much got me to do anything she wanted. Spending a little time with her this afternoon would hopefully get me out of my bad mood.

The owner of the Escort dropped off the car first thing that morning with all sorts of demands for the old piece of shit. The car belonged to the guy's wife. It broke down as soon as they moved to Forks last month and he wanted it fixed right away, because he said, and I quote, "I'm sick of taking the bitch to work." Nice, right?

The douche-bag shouldn't even allow his wife to drive the car. It wasn't safe, even if I could fix it. I told him by the time I got done with it he may as well buy her a decent used car. Apparently to the asshole, this was the car he found for her because, and again I quote, "she kept whining about having to walk to work," and "I told her she's driving it until it's totally dead," and "if she wants to keep her job, she's gonna either walk to work or drive this car." Mr. America ladies and gentleman. And the kicker, he flirted with Kim when she was got his paperwork around for him. I felt sorry for his wife. Men that disrespected their wives like that really annoyed me.

If I had a wife I would worship her. I don't mean to sound like a wuss, but I haven't even been on a date in years. I was so afraid of asking someone out, getting close to her, and then BAM, end up imprinting on someone else, and so I gave it up entirely. Imprinting meant being bound to someone for life. It was the greatest feeling in the world, so they say, so I've felt second-hand through the pack mind, so it wasn't worth it to destroy the heart of another. I've also felt that heartache second-hand through the pack and it sucks. I've felt the pain it causes to all parties involved. I couldn't do that to someone. I couldn't do that to myself.

So, here I am, single, and yes, lonely. This imprinting thing was suppose to be rare, but about ninety percent of the pack had a significant other. It's been about fifteen years since our generation started to phase into a wolves. I was one of the first and I still haven't imprinted.

I spent another hour or so on the Escort before I decided to give up for the day. I would much rather hang out with a four-year-old than work on the hunk of junk.

********

When I pulled into the parking lot to the daycare center I could spot Vanessa's bright pink jacket playing in the fenced-in yard. As I walked up to the fence she spotted me instantly.

"Uncle Embry!!" she screamed as she ran over to me.

"Hey V-Bee!" I replied as she jumped into my arms. "Ready to go home?"

"You pickin' me up today?" she asked with huge smile. I nodded my head with exaggeration.

"Yay!!" Vanessa squirmed out of my arms to run to her teacher. "Miss Abby! Miss Abby! Uncle Embry is taking me home today!"

When my vision followed Vanessa's trail to her teacher I felt my body freeze and the air in my lungs escape in a rush. The woman Vanessa was running towards seemed to be the only person in my sight. Everything else, everyone else around her seemed to be blurry. It was like I had tunnel vision for only her. This woman had the most beautiful, straight, shiny caramel-colored hair that stopped at her shoulders. Her skin was flawless. Her round cheeks made her look so young and innocent. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I'm not sure how, but I had crossed the yard and now stood in front of her. She had a wonderful scent. It was like vanilla and cinnamon. I loved vanilla and cinnamon.

Once she finished talking to Vanessa the woman looked up to address me. She was in the middle of saying something to me when her eyes met mine. I could see her lips moving, but I didn't hear anything she said. I just stared into her beautiful hazel eyes. I finally noticed she had stopped talking and she was giving me a look like she was expecting an answer.

"Huh?" I grunted. Smooth Embry.

"You're Vanessa's Uncle Embry?" the beautiful woman asked me.

"Yes. Um, no," I stuttered. "I mean, I'm Embry, but I'm not her uncle. She just calls me that. I'm actually her cousin."

I heard a small giggle come out of the four-year-old standing next to me. I quickly looked down at Vanessa to see what she was giggling about.

Vanessa gave me a big grin and said, "You look like Daddy and Uncle Sam." Huh? Little girls are strange.

"Can I see some ID, please," the woman asked me. "Mrs. Clearwater called to tell me you were coming, but I need to verify who you are."

"Oh yeah, sure." I reached in my pocket for my wallet and pulled out my driver's license. As I handed it to the woman I glanced at Vanessa again. She had grabbed my hand and was still giggling. I couldn't help but smile back at her.

The woman quickly glanced at my ID and handed it back to me with a brilliant smile on her face.

"I'm Abigail, Vanessa's pre-school teacher," she introduced herself and extended her hand to me.

Once I grabbed Abigail's hand I knew I was a goner. All the feelings I felt by just looking at her intensified once our hands touched. A shock of energy shot up my arm and coursed through my body. Abigail's eyes snapped up to mine and small lovely smile crept across her face and her eyes seemed to sparkle. I felt my face mimic hers. Holy shit, I think I just imprinted.

The expression on her face changed to what looked like remorse and fear and she abruptly let go of my hand.

"Vanessa honey, I'll see you tomorrow. Embry, it was nice meeting you," Abigail quietly said as she walked away. She gave me two more quick glances before she quickened her pace.

"Wait," I yelled towards her, but she kept walking towards a group of kids on the swings. I wanted to stop her, to talk to her more, but Vanessa was pulling me towards the car. All I could do was watch Abigail walk away from me. My first instinct was to run after her, but I needed to take care of Vanessa first.

"Come on Uncle Embry, can we get some ice cream?" Vanessa begged.

On our way to get ice cream Vanessa started to giggle again. Poor girl. I was lost in thought and I was pretty much ignoring her.

"Why are you so giggly?" I asked her.

"You look like Daddy and Uncle Sam," she repeated her words from earlier.

"What do you mean?" she made me laugh with her giggles.

"Daddy looks at mommy like that and Uncle Sam looks at Aunt Emily like that." Oh man, this kid was observant.

"Like what?"

I looked back at Vanessa through the rear-view window and her face looked angelic as she tried to imitate the "dazed and confused" look that the whole wolf-pack was familiar with. There wasn't anything I could do but laugh at the goofy little girl.

"Hey, stop teasing me or I'm not getting you any ice cream, stinker."

We stopped by the gift shop where my mom, Elizabeth and my Aunt Anna were working. Vanessa and I were guaranteed free ice cream from her Grandma Anna and her Great-Aunt Elizabeth.

"Grandma!" Vanessa screamed at Aunt Anna when she ran in the door.

"Hey sweet baby! What are you doing here?" Vanessa started a conversation with her Grandma and told her about her day while my Mom started scooping out our favorite ice cream.

After she handed me my cone I decided to get the scoop on Miss Abigail.

"Hey mom, do you know anything about Vanessa's teacher, Miss Abby?" My mom knew a lot about the local gossip since she worked in one of two gift shops and general store on the entire rez.

"Oh yeah, she and her husband moved here a couple of months ago…" I didn't hear a word she said after that sentence. Abigail was married? What the hell? How could I imprint on someone who was married? Maybe I was mistaken. Maybe what I was feeling was the usual crush-type of thing. Abigail was very pretty and had a breathtaking smile. I could see how she may have many admirers. I've always been scared to have a crush on anyone for fear of getting serious so it's been awhile since I looked at a woman in that way.

It couldn't have been a mistake. There was the tunnel vision, the electricity when we touched, the chest aching from the separation when she walked away from me.

"Embry, honey, what's wrong?" my mom finally snapped me out of my thoughts.

"What? Oh, uh, nothing," I replied lamely.

"I'm pretty sure you didn't hear a word I've said. You look pale and you haven't touched your ice cream…and it's our favorite," my mom said with concern. "Do you want us to watch Vanessa until Seth and Tala get home?"

"Nooooo…I want Embry to come over and play with me," Vanessa whined from her perch with a chocolate ice cream goatee coating her face.

"Thanks mom, but I'll be fine. She'll be a good distraction this afternoon." As much as I wanted to run out to phase and talk to someone about this, I did feel I needed to think things through before I had a bunch of minds merged into mine.

*******

About an hour later Vanessa and I were hanging upside down on the couch watching SpongeBob Squarepants. Our feet were in the air and our heads were towards the floor.

Vanessa was singing at the top of her lungs. "Three green and speckled frogs, sitting on a speckled log, eating some most delicious bugs…"

"Yum, yum!" I contributed.

"Well what do we have here," said a familiar voice peeking into the living room. Quil stood there with an amused look on his face. "For all the times you guys picked on me for playing with Claire."

"Hi Uncle Quil!!" Vanessa waved from her upside down perch. Her face was starting to get red from the blood rush.

"Shut it Quil, she's not my imprint. I can tell her no."

"That's what I'm saying. You can tell her no, but you don't." Quil walked to the couch and wedged himself between me and Vanessa. "SpongeBob? My favorite!"

Now that Quil was there I had someone to talk to about imprinting, but I didn't want to have that conversation with the over-observant girl who sat next to us.

"Hey V-Bee, do you want a drink?" I asked as I hopped off the couch walking towards the kitchen.

"Yes please!"

"Quil, could you help me out a sec?"

"You need help getting juice?"

"Just come here!!" He must've heard the urgency in my voice because he quickly popped off the couch and followed me to the kitchen.

As I poured the juice I thought about how to bring up the possible imprint. If I had made a mistake, I would feel like an idiot. If it was true, then I had another major problem. My imprint, my beautiful Abigail was married. And I couldn't have her.

"Quil, I think I imprinted today," I quickly blurt out as Quil took a drink of his juice. He choked on his drink. It would've been funny if I wasn't so distraught.

"Holy shit! It's about friggin' time. What happened?" Quil looked genuinely happy for me.

I went ahead and told him the story with all the feelings mixed in. I know guys usually don't talk about feelings with each other, but we did because we would feel it once our minds were connected as wolves. I skipped the part about finding out she was married.

"Yep, it sounds like that's what happened. But dude, you don't have the usual goofy look we all get afterwards. What's up?" Quil asked.

"She's married," I mumbled. I could see the shock cover Quil's face.

"She's married!?"

"Who's married?" Seth asked as he made his way into the kitchen.

"My imprint," I sighed and repeated the story to Seth.

"Miss Abigail? Yeah, she's married alright," Seth confirmed, "to a real douche-bag."

"You know him?" I asked surprised.

"Yeah, he's the guy that dropped off his Escort this morning. I had the pleasure of taking his phone call yesterday," Seth informed us.

"Oh shit, he's a dick! You should've heard the way he was talking about my Abigail." I didn't realize I called her "my" Abigail at first. I suddenly became possessive. I could feel the rage start to build up in my body. It had been years since I lost my control through anger. "He was calling her all sorts of names, being disrespectful and hitting on Kim!" My body started to shake.

"Whoa, Em, calm down. Maybe you should go outside and run or something," Seth suggested. "I'll call a meeting so we can all talk about this. I'll include the ladies. Maybe they'll have some insight on the whole thing."

"Yeah, whatever," I replied as I ran out the kitchen door towards the woods. I didn't feel like talking to the whole pack about this, it was quite embarrassing. Adding the ladies into the mix would be even worse. They would probably have that pity look on their faces and get all motherly with me.

The more I thought about it, the more furious I became. Why the fuck would I imprint on a married woman?! A woman who devoted her life to someone else. Even if he was a big asshole.

As soon as I hit the tree line I stripped my clothes and phased into a gigantic, gray wolf with black spots. All my emotions were flooding my brain when I heard others in my mind.

"Hey Em, 'sup?" Jared asked as his mind meshed with mine. After he received the rush of my thoughts, I sensed his paws stop dead in their tracks. "Holy shit, what happened? She's married!?"

I heard Brady's and Paul's reaction to the events that my mind recalled. There was a little bit of pity and a lot of shock coming from their minds as well. I caught flashes of their imprints and empathy from them when they thought about not being able to be with them.

"I don't know what the fuck happened. I don't want to talk about it right now." I snapped back. I instantly felt bad for being a jerk. I knew everyone was genuinely concerned.

"That's ok man." Jared could feel my regret. "You deserve to be a jerk after what happened today."

"Look, I just want to run and think. We're having a meeting later about it." I didn't wait for Jared to reply. I pushed my legs to their full potential and tried to block out everyone from my mind.

I loved to run. I loved the way the breeze ruffled my fur and made my eyes water. I loved how my paws pushed the earth as I dug my claws pushing my legs to go faster and faster. When I didn't have a group of guys in my head I could enjoy how my enhanced senses took in my surroundings. I'm sure they were listening in, but they knew better then to contribute to my thoughts. It didn't matter what they heard, I would be repeating everything later in our council meeting.

I'm not sure what a meeting would accomplish. I couldn't have Abigail. I finally imprint on someone and she was married. She was legally, and probably spiritually, bound to someone for life. I was sure she felt the connection when we shook hands. As soon as our skin touched her facial expression seemed to match mine. I wish I could've talked to her longer, but she ran away too quickly. She looked scared and confused. The more I thought about her, the more my chest ached from being away from her. My Abigail. I didn't know what I was going to do. I hoped someone in our pack family would have insight on the situation.

Please let me know what you think! I'm a little nervous since I was hoping to complete the entire story before posting any of it. I was too excited so I'm not waiting any longer. I'm up to Chapter 12 so far and I'll try to keep the chapters coming on a regular basis.