Authors Note:
Hey guys! So a little background before we get to the good stuff: My inspiration for this story came from a dream centered around the idea of the repercussions of denying an imprint. The story is entirely outlined and the direction is definitive although as the story does progress I will take in consideration the ideas of readers. The reason I'm stressing the fact that the story is outlined has to do with my shameful reputation when it came to updating my previous stories, which I unfortunately will not be continuing with. Unless of course I get fabulous motivation by you lovely readers to do so.
A link to the banner for Denying the Imprint will be available on my profile soon. Its already complete, created by myself and I personally think it's fabulous. However it does contain a slight spoiler, so if you decide you're interested in the story after I would suggest taking a peek.
Also a special thanks to my lovely Beta, LaPushWolf, author of countless wolf-pack stories, my own personal favorite and inspiration being "Daunting Time". Her work is breathtaking and Denying the Imprint wouldn't have been published without the motivation she gave me.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
~Denying the Imprint~
By:RenesmeeCarlieBlackxo
Chapter 1: Denying the Truth
In the perspective of Claire Young
"It's scandalous and dishonorable, entirely inappropriate," Alice fumed, her petite frame blurring in my vision from her pacing at vampire speed around the fashionably decorated, light pink boutique.
"Alice don't you think -"
"I mean just imagine what they would say," Alice gasped, shocked at the mere mental image of the disgraceful event, "I will not allow it. Over my pile of ashes, I swear I, Alice Cullen, will not allow this."
"But Alice-"
"My reputation as Washington's best wedding planner would be ruined, Claire" she sighed melodramatically, putting her delicate white-lace gloved hand to her face looking entirely dainty like Rachel McAdams in The Notebook. Except of course Alice Cullen had pixie-like black hair, golden smoldering eyes, and features much more stunning than those of the beautiful actress.
Whereas Alice looked like she had walked out of Old English classic vintage edition of Vogue, at least that was her style of choice for today, I could not claim such allegations.
My features were exotic, the Makah in my blood, delivering a perfect balance of definitive features, strong cheekbones, and golden-russet skin. I looked a lot like my mother; she had been beautiful, or at least the pictures I found of her were stunning. My hair was jet black, tousled in loose curls and waves that cascaded down my back reaching my waist and my sapphire almond shaped eyes always looked inquisitive and curious in its gaze, like my father's had.
My parents had died when I was two, or at least that was the story I had been told growing up. I never inquired more into their deaths. As awful as it sounded I was content with my family and my life. I had Aunt Emily and Uncle Sam, whom I'd been living with my entire life, and the rest of the La Push boys. More importantly I had Quil Ateara., my best friend and my reason for existence.
Suddenly Bella Cullen's words, more than my own life, had meaning.
I never knew exactly when I fell for Quil. It wasn't like an explosion of feelings and emotion. Rather it was like an epiphany, an awakening, the kind where you realize that what you've been dreaming of and searching for has been there right in front of you all along. All I remember is that it was triggered by his smile. His beautiful, shining, crooked smile, the one that brightened my day and the one I would stop to stare at even if the ground was crumbling beneath my feet.
Quil had always been there for me from the beginning. When I would fall and scrape my knee as a child, it was Quil who was there to take away the pain. When I concocted a plan to steal another cookie from the cookie jar, Quil would be there to make sure I didn't fall while trying to scale the refrigerator. If one of the boys at school picked on me in the playground, Quil would be there to effectively scare the living daylights out of the bully; One of them actually peed himself in front of the entire class. When I went to the beach, Quil would be there to save me from drowning and let me bury him in the sand.
He was my protector. He always had been and continued to be. However, in the past, his protection had been innocent, just as one would protect a child. Lately, there was a fire in his eyes, a conviction that was completely new. He was still my protector but it was different.
When I had my first date the summer of my senior year, Quil was there threatening to perform a vasectomy on my date if he tried anything with his Claire-Bear. That could've been perceived as innocent, the way a father would look after his daughter, or a brother after his sister, but it wasn't. There was a fire brewing, his midnight eyes smoldered and his expression had become unfathomable, a mix of pain and sadness. But there was something else there too; there was desire and yearning. His preoccupation wasn't of protecting a child, rather it was of protecting a lover.
When Quil had caught me kissing my once boyfriend on the porch one night, his expression was one of betrayal. I felt like I had been caught cheating on a husband after 25 years of marriage, not like a young, foolish teenage girl who had been caught by her best friend, trying her hand at love and making out with her cute boyfriend.
Our relationship had always been a comfort area, something to fall back on. It was effortless, as easy as breathing and as impossible to live without. When I had a problem, Quil was the first to know. Everything I did, everything I felt, he knew. Yet, now, with my every thought centering on him and my heart yearning for him, I couldn't talk to him the same way. Secrets started to come between us, suddenly Quil needed his space for the first time in eighteen years and I needed privacy to sort everything out. I can recall so perfectly how it all started.
"Hey grease monkey, want a sandwich," I inquired.
Quil had spent the entire day working on my car, which had decided that three years without a single problem was far too long, especially with about five mechanics in the family.
Quil raised his torso and head from the hood of the car, his shirt smeared in grease and dirt, looking every bit like a god before flashing his signature crooked smile and saying, "Claire-Bear, when have I ever turned down food?"
"Ok, a couple dozen ham, turkey, bacon, roast beef, cheddar, Swiss, tomato, lettuce, mayo, cucumber, pickle, ketchup, mustard, marshmallow fluff, banana, pepperoni, peanut butter sandwiches coming right up," I laughed. Yes, that was how Quil liked his sandwiches, no joke. What would possess someone to mix mustard and marshmallow fluff is beyond me.
"Hey, you calling me fat?" I heard echoing in the halls from the garage as I walked to the kitchen, "Oh and don't forget the barbeque sauce!"
When I had already made four sandwiches and was about to sprinkle the chocolate syrup on top I heard Quil call me, "Claire, come here for a second."
I walked in to find a shirtless Quil, covered in grease with beads of sweat trickling down his perfectly sculpted body, leaning against the hood of my car with a smirk on his face, arms crossed over his chest.
"Claire give me some good reasons why a car wouldn't start," He asked, his eyes shining with humor.
I stammered, "Uh…maybe the engine died or something..."
"Try again," He said, walking slowly towards me.
"The key turning thingy broke?" It was so much harder to think with him looking at me like that.
"Wow Claire-Bear, you seemed to have mastered the art of mechanical terminology," he laughed, doubling over.
"Shut up," I exclaimed, hitting him in the chest, causing him to laugh even more. When he had controlled his laughter, his face became serious again, the hint of a sparkle in his eyes as he smiled, "Claire you know the blue button in your car that was lit up the entire day before it tragically died?"
"Oh yah the blue one with the duck on it?"
"Duck?"
"What? It looks like a duck," I shrugged, nonchalantly.
He just shook his head smiling before officially proving that I, Claire Young, know absolutely nothing about cars, "It's the gas light Claire-Bear. It lit up to tell you it needed gas. Oh and F.Y.I the duck is actually a gas pump."
"Are you serious? Stupid high-tech car. Why couldn't it just have one of the regular gas meter thingys with the arrow…" Dear god please allow the Earth to swallow me up right now. If this gets out to the boys….
"You do realize that Jacob and Paul are gonna cry when they hear this story," Quil stated solemnly, "Sam's probably gonna have you disowned too..."
"You wouldn't dare. I'd never speak to you again," I bluffed.
"Nah you couldn't last a day without seeing my sexy face. And not everyone has my rock-solid bod," He winked at me, puffing out his chest and flexing his arms, sending me into further embarrassment, as if my already crimson blush wasn't enough torture.
The plan formulated in my head and before I could even think it through, I squirted the bottle of Hershey's chocolate syrup I had carried into the garage all over his perfect chest, catching him half-sentence and entirely off guard.
I knew my Quil and there was nothing he loved more than a challenge. His game face was on immediately, his midnight eyes containing traces of humor and also strategizing his plan.
"Bad choice, Claire Bear," He said.
I never beat Quil. At least not on my own. Which is why I took off running out the garage door and into the backyard hoping a head-start would give me an advantage. I ran out and hid behind one of the trees on the edge of the forest waiting to hear Quil's heavy footsteps on my tail.
But I didn't hear him anywhere or see him.
"What the…," I whispered to myself before feeling a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to a cocky looking Quil holding a grape jelling squirter and a can of whipped cream, both aimed at my face.
"Wait Quil, you should think about this again," I tried to compromise backing up slowly into the large, spacious yard, "Alice and Nessie just bought me this top and you know Alice would kill you if anything happened to it, this thing cost like a couple hundred bucks."
That stopped Quil for a moment. Anyone would rethink their plans if it would involve facing Alice's wrath later. No werewolf, vampire, or human would take the risk of angering the tiny pixie.
Too bad Quil wasn't fashionably gifted and wouldn't know the difference between something Couture versus Walmart bought.
I snagged a bottle from his hand in his hesitation and squirted a mix of chocolate and grape jelly all over him again before running off screaming, "Quil this is your shirt stupid!"
"Oh fool the wolf, and then insult him. You just wait Claire Bear!"
This time he was hot on my trail and in a matter of seconds had me pinned on the ground, one hand holding my arms over my head, the other holding a bottle of chocolate syrup treacherously.
He was knelt over me, his perfect muscular torso in my face, pervading my senses and giving my mind vivid mental images that I would never forget. He smelled enticing as usual, the same scent of pine trees, chocolate chip cookies, and October mixed into one but now with grease and chocolate mixed in.
I took in the sight of him, my stomach clenching as I realized how close he was, and felt the heat emanating from his body. Hyper-aware of the feel of his legs against mine and his hand holding my arms over my head, I felt vulnerable in such a brilliant way.
In the instant my eyes had changed so had his.
This had gone from a childish game to something entirely unfathomable and laced with desire.
Quil's chocolate brown orbs of warmth and comfort turned jet-black, consumed with an emotion so raw and animalistic that it could only be defined as wanting. His pupils dilated and his eyes smoldered as the bottle dropped from his hand, which came to rest gently on my face.
His eyes searched for mine, probing, looking for something.
Whatever he saw made him release my arms. He rested his weight on his elbows now which were each right up against the sides of my face and his body lay on top of mine, his weight distributed perfectly so I could only feel the soft press of his skin against mine.
The new position had our faces closer, his breath and mine intertwining in the cold air outside.
"God, Claire," he said, his voice shaking.
The sun had set and darkness had begun to fall. The light of the moon broke through the trees and shined right on Quil and I, illuminating us.
Quil's desire and yearning had transformed into curiosity. We both still physically wanted each other but Quil had been consumed by inquisitiveness, perhaps wondering why now? His eyes were unfathomable and mixed with confusion and wanting and…love?
His features then showed resignation, the emotion was too strong to ignore, too complete and holistic; my eyes proved to him the extent of our connection.
His face angled and he began to move towards me, his lips descending slowly as I held my breath waiting for the moment when they would meet. He hesitated for a second, rethinking. But his lips were so close; I could already feel them ever so gently against my own. His breath in my face made me lose coherency.
"Quil," I whispered, my body shaking with the intensity of the moment.
The moment I spoke, the magic died. Before I could even register what had happened, I saw Quil's naked back, his body shaking as he ran for the woods.
Away from me.
"It's a disgrace to the sacredness of matrimony," Alice continued, "Claire? Claire!"
"Oh sorry Alice, I wasn't paying attention," I sighed prepared for her fury but surprised when I heard her voice soften and felt her hand press lightly on my cheek.
"Are you okay Claire, you seem melancholy," Alice said, her bright eyes gazing widely into mine.
"Who says melancholy anymore Alice," I smiled, holding back the tears that were threatening to spill.
"You know what I mean," She whispered.
"And you know why, Alice," I sighed, tapping my finger against her head. There was nothing that Alice couldn't see, well except werewolves but this problem didn't take visions of the future to understand.
I sighed flipping through the designer catalogs entranced at the fashion and beauty while Alice fumbled nervously with the fabric swatches, wrinkling the crystal satin swatch before moving on to mishandling the taffeta one.
"This is it," Alice exclaimed, dancing giddily in front of me before rushing off into the next room, "You know, had you not involved any of the wolves in your plan you could be currently wearing high fashion couture from the latest designers in Paris or Milan or London. Imagine it Claire, dancing around in a dress surrounded by yards and yards of satin and lace all wrapped around you-," Alice sighed retreating to her mind, or what I liked to call Alice's Wonderland.
"That sounds itchy. And entirely uncomfortable, " I stated smiling. Only Alice..
Alice danced back into the room, pirouetting dangerously as she carried a bag twice the size of her small body precariously over her head. "Consider yourself lucky, Claire, I never carry European designer labels in the store but I remembered that I ordered this one for Rose a while back and it came in this week," Alice said excitedly unzipping the most beautiful dress ever designed before my eyes.
"Alice I can't accept this, it's too much. Plus it would never do me justice in the same way it would for Rose-" I trailed off shaking my head.
It was beautiful.
The gown itself looked like it cost more than Alice's bright yellow Ferrari.
"Of course, you'll wear it," I heard the melodic tinkling voice speak before I turned around and saw Renesmee herself, hair cascading in waves around her and wisps being blown into her face from the cold Washington winds.
My best friend glided up to us planting a kiss on both mine and Alice's cheeks before handing me a Starbucks caramel latte.
"That dress is perfect for tonight, and it would look stunning on you," Nessie said, her beautiful heart-shaped faced earnest and expectant, before ushering me into a fitting room.
"But Nessie-,"
"No buts, that dress is yours, try it on"
…
Speechless.
Astounded.
Amazed.
No words could do justice to the way I felt, to the way I looked, and trust me I knew my SAT words.
"You're a vision, darling," Alice whispered in my ear, smiling whole-heartedly.
Half of my hair had been angelically braided into an elegant twist and held back with a diamond clip, while the other half lay in beautiful perfect curls reaching my waist. Wisps of hair framed my face curling at the ends. My makeup was natural, enhancing the definitive and beautiful Makah features I already had. My skin glowed, flawless and my cheekbones brushed lightly with a golden-bronze illuminator. Encompassed by dark gold and cerulean, my eyes were penetrating and mystifying, enrapturing.
Diamonds.
My elegant earrings glittered with diamonds, as did the bracelet I wore.
The dress itself was stunning.
It fell perfectly over my figure, fitting like a glove and accentuating the womanly curves and beauty I possessed.
The dress was multi-faceted and intricate in color. The icy blue satin and chiffon sheath slowly turning sapphire in color as the gown progressed and the neckline was covered in sapphires and diamonds giving the illusion of a necklace. Laced from the one strap to the hem, it gave off an aura of elegance and sophistication. The Cinderella shoes I wore were embroidered in fine crystals. I looked angelic and yet dangerous.
I couldn't believe the creature in the mirror was myself.
Moisture welled up, unwelcome in my eyes.
"Hey! No crying or I'll have to re-do all of your makeup," Alice scolded, smacking me gently over the head.
The chimes of the door sung loudly from the front of the store and suddenly I was comforted by the delectable aroma of chocolate chip cookies, pine trees and October.
"That must be Quil," Nessie winked, before dashing off to the front room to greet my wolf.
"Come out when you're ready, love," Alice said, leaving me alone.
I glanced at myself wistfully in the mirror, wondering when I would be able to see this Claire again besides tonight, before walking out into the main room where Quil stood looking every bit like the god I had come to know since before I can remember. My breathing quickened at the sight of him.
As I approached, Quil stood motionless, his expression unfathomable, his eyes following my every confident step.
Tonight I wasn't Claire-Bear, the quiet, smart girl who never took risks.
Tonight I was reckless. Dangerous. Sexy.
He didn't speak until I had stopped in front of him, close enough I could have reached out and pulled his luscious lips down to mine.
"You look…good," he stammered, swallowing, causing his Adam's apple to move tantalizingly up and down his throat.
A gust of wind burst through the door Alice held open and brushed Quil's hair across his eyes.
"Come on you're going to be late," Alice spoke from the door.
As Quil reached to tuck the one long strand back into his hair, his eyes dropped, scanning the length of my body slowly.
He had never done that.
And in that moment, I knew that there was magic in the air tonight.
…
The ride was silent, tension building in the air as neither spoke about the obvious yearning.
Quil's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, steering with too much effort than necessary.
Finally I broke the silence, causing Quil to jump at my voice, "So how was your day?"
Original, I know.
He recovered quickly and flashed me a crooked smile before boasting, "I beat up Embry today."
We both laughed, the air lightening between us.
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me. What did he do this time?"
"He ate my blueberry muffins Emily made for me," Quil pouted, his bottom lips protruding like a child and his head ducking into his shoulders before mumbling, "I really wanted those muffins…"
I couldn't stop the laughter that came after that, my stomach cried from the exertion as the minutes passed and I couldn't control the laughs.
"It's always about food with you isn't it? I swear if you had to choose between saving my life or getting to the bonfires first to destroy all the food, I'd be dead in a heartbeat," I giggled.
"Nope. Never. I'd save you first. But then I'd make you take me to dinner. Some place fancy and expensive, where the meals cost forty bucks per plate," he said winking and flashing the crooked smile I loved.
"Yah and everything takes an hour to cook and the portions are all the size of your palm," I laughed. Quil obviously didn't know his gourmet cuisine.
"Nice try. Restaurant people aren't stupid, they'd never serve something the size of my palm," he scoffed, disbelieving.
"Remind me to take you out to dinner soon," I smiled thinking about the restaurant in Seattle that Nessie had taken me to where my entire meal was the size of a cell phone.
"Sounds like a date."
The light in my eyes shone before I had time to think and suddenly Quil's exterior hardened.
Just as quickly as the air had lightened so too was the tension quick to build.
"Do you believe in soul mates, Quil," I asked, feeling vulnerable for the first time tonight.
He hesitated slightly before answering, "Why do you ask?"
"It just…looking around at everyone. Its just so perfect. The relationships and the love. Sam and Emily. Jared and Kim. Paul and Rachel. I mean I could go on… It's like fairytale stuff. They're just so happy Quil and I just keep wondering if someday I'll ever be that happy," I sighed, shifting towards the window afterward, setting my gaze on the blur of the passing trees as I felt Quil's curious eyes watching my back.
…
When we had arrived we were astounded at the sight. The exterior of the home was dazzling, decorated in brightly colored silk, marble statues, and dense foliage. Everywhere I looked I saw shimmering diamonds, swatches of golden silk, and large decorative paintings and tapestries. The pillars were adorned with wreaths of flowers. The floral smell pervaded the air wonderfully and the beautiful soft music provided the perfect setting and mood for conversation and romance. The dance floor resembled a gazebo, if a gazebo could be made the size of half a football field. Surrounded by intricate floral designs and glittering jewels, the guests danced looking out at the setting sun and into the crashing waves at a distant.
Alice had truly outdone herself this time.
When I turned to face Quil I heard my name from behind, "Claire!"
I turned around to the beautiful vision of southern belle, Scarlett Anderson, the client and bride whom Alice and I had prepared this setting for and also a dearest high school friend. Scarlett looked stunning, her simple floor-length satin gown fitting her perfectly and her long blond locks laying straight over her shoulder.
"This is beautiful, I honestly don't know how to thank you and Alice enough. This is more than I could ever have imagined Claire. Its perfect," she beamed, her crystal blue eyes watering.
"Don't thank me, this was all Alice. If it was up to me everything would be going completely wrong at the moment and you probably would've ended up married with a clown theme," I laughed, knowing Alice would cut my throat for mentioning the horrid wedding theme a new client had decided upon this morning.
"You underestimate yourself way too much darling," Scarlett sighed, her slight accent slipping into her words, "Well I have to run, busy day and all, you and Quil enjoy yourselves you hear." She was quickly whisked away by her groom and pulled out onto the dance floor for the first dance. I suddenly regretted missing the ceremony, apparently I was a sucker for happy endings today.
A soft breeze cooled the air around me, making me shiver as Quil moved to stand protectively around me, comforting me in his warmth.
I turned to look at him but he wouldn't meet my gaze. He was indifferent tonight. Unwilling to accept the difference in me, in our relationship.
"Dance with me," I whispered, needing to feel his arms around me.
His gaze softened and he offered his hand as the bride and groom's first song drifted to a close and the rest of the guests began to move towards the floor.
Quil maneuvered us to the center where the gazebo lights and stars illuminated us both. He held my body tight against him and soon we were lost in a sea of light, limbs and graceful figures. Woman with there layers and layers of chiffon swaying around their bodies, enticing the men they danced with, crashing to the rhythm of the intoxicating music.
We danced to another song, then another, until slowly couples disappeared and new ones came to flutter about the dance floor.
Suddenly Quil guided me into a dip, making my fingers curl around his shirt.
As he surfaced me, our faces met. His nose pressed gently against mine, our breaths coming out in puffs, and our bodies flushed, pressed tightly against each other. His arm around me was tight at my back, holding me against him. His other hand snaked behind my neck, cradling it in his palm and tilting my face back.
"You're too beautiful Claire. Its unbearable for me right now. Do you even know what you're doing to me?"
Every touch was soft and tender as I melted against him. The dancing seemed to stop, as the world slowed. It was just Quil and I tonight.
At least that's what I believed before the pounding bass and electrifying dance music filled the air shaking us both out of our trance.
Our breathing was hard as we stood pressed against each other in the center of the dance floor, bodies jumping and grinding around us, the floor a swirl of energy.
Quil recovered before I did and began to push through the crowds before I had blinked.
"Quil?"
I ran after him. My gown flowing behind me. The wind hitting my bare back harshly as tried to keep up, dazed by the crowd, the music, the scents. I felt weak.
"Quil don't," I screamed after him as he quickly got into his truck, slamming the door and jamming the keys into the ignition roughly.
I rounded the side and opened the passenger door.
"What's going on Quil?"
His hands press tightly around the wheel, his eyes fixated on some point in the distance.
"I need to go."
I held firm against the door, my voice trying to convey the conviction I felt rising in my heart. "Don't do this to me again," I pleaded. "Why do you always run?"
"I need space." He choked out between gritted teeth. "We need space, Claire."
"What are you talking about, Quil," I cried.
He finally turned to gaze at me. I could see the steel in his eyes, the anger and pain in his gaze, "None of this should be happening Claire. Not right now. Not what happened last-"
I cut him off. "What exactly is wrong with what's happening between us? Because I sure as hell don't see a single thing wrong with any of it. Its always been you and me Quil, since before I can remember. Just because its changing doesn't mean its wrong," I spoke angrily, pleading him to understand.
"Go back to the party, Claire." He instructed.
I took deep breaths to control the anger I felt. I just wanted to lash out at him. Why couldn't he understand?
"Please-"
"Go," he said firmly, his voice slipping so easily back into that protective tenor he used during my childhood.
"When will I see you again?" I whispered, the anger fading and being replaced by a sadness I had become so acquainted with the past few weeks.
"I'll see you around," he said with a shrug, looking away, hiding his cold eyes.
"Around?"
No.
This couldn't be happening.
We always had a plan. We never left the other without knowing the next time we would see each other again.
I couldn't believe it had come to this.
I backed away slowly and suddenly there was a unanimous shout from the reception as thunder roared and the sky unleashed rain on the party.
The rain drenched me from head to toe, Alice's perfect gown ruined and weighing around me heavily, another burden beyond the pain I already felt.
"Bye Claire," Quil prompted, his usually smoldering eyes, cold as he glanced at the open door.
I closed it softly.
As the engine roared to life, a single tear slid down my cheek.
And then he was gone.
Authors Note:
Going to try and keep this short and sweet but as you can already tell from the massive authors note above I'm not really good at that lol
Ultimately, what will dictate the continuance of this story is the feedback I get from the readers so please review and let me know what you think, even if it's a short "Update soon!" (Even though I really do value longer reviews more. They keep me motivated)
Also, the best review I get from one of you amazing reviewers will get a sneak peek at the next chapter, Denying Love.