Chapter One - Speechless

"Ephraim! I swear I'm going to kill you!"

I ran through the streets and made my way through the crowd. I tried to lose him, but he was still close behind. I couldn't believe he was able to keep up with my pace considering his massive size. Then I had an idea.

I made my way up the corner and ran up the steep hill. Four blocks later and I turn around to look. He gave up. His hands were on his knees, and he had to stop and catch his breath.

I let out an exhilarating laugh. "Come on, Paco! Aren't you supposed to be an eagle?" I was yelling at him, and the only response from him was his middle finger.

I whispered to myself, "Crazy guy."

As I turned around to continue my escape, I was met head on with that familiar face.

"Dad."

"Are you trying to give your mom a heart attack? What is wrong with you?"

"You know she won't ever die from that, so no need with that statement."

"Ephraim, don't you understand. This meeting is of utmost importance. Especially to your mother, and I can't believe that I had to drive all the way to Seattle to bring you home."

"I get it. I'm supposed to be into this idea too, but I've changed. My powers are not like they use to be anymore. I don't even have control of it. Maybe I'm finally turning into a normal human being."

My dad took in a deep breath. I know he wanted me to have a normal life, they all wanted that for me. Hell, even I did. But my world was filled with werewolves, vampires and witches and God knows what else.

My mom had remained "queen" or leader to all the supernatural. She was one hell of a good leader too. She kept the peace amongst everyone which gave me the opportunity to live a normal life. However, there was one thing I couldn't control and that was imprinting.

My mom and dad sat me home one evening and gave me a long lecture and educated me about imprinting. Evidently, that was how they were destined together. It was only a matter of time that I would imprint. However, I had to phase into a wolf first.

Twenty-two years later and I was still me. Not a vampire, not a wolf, but just a human. It didn't bother me because I didn't believe in forced relationships. My mom said it was me that showed her my future with my imprint, but my visions had slowly dissipated. I didn't remember anything anymore.

We finally arrived in Forks. I slept most of the way to avoid my dad's conversations. I remember we used to be so close when I was a kid, but once I finished my studies at University of Washington, he began his serious talks with me.

"Listen, Ephraim. I know the past year we haven't had our moments together like we use too. But I'm still here for you. Look, I promise I'll stop all the serious talk and whenever you're ready, I'll be here. I love you, kid."

"Thanks, Dad. I know."

We finally crossed into La Push and pulled up to the house. I entered through the door, and I could smell my mom's sweet cooking.

"Mom!"

She came around the corner and welcomed me with a big smile. She hugged me tightly and didn't let go.

"Ephraim!" She then released me and gave me a scolded look. "Why do you give Paco such a hard time?"

"We were getting in our daily exercise, that's all. Speaking of which, he's right behind us through the door as we speak."

Paco gave me the death stare. He was my personal bodyguard. He was a supernatural hunter of all things evil. My mom hired him as a precaution when I left home. At first, I didn't realize he existed because he was incognito, but I finally confronted him one evening at a house party. All my friends and I had ambushed him, and he finally gave in after some interrogating. In the end, Paco became one of my closest friends, but I still didn't like listening to him at times.

"Paw Paw!" My grandpa was aging but he still had a strong arm.

"Ephraim, I'm always hearing bad things about you. Now you could give me a heart attack."

"Don't say that, I would never cause you one."

Within a minute, a high pitched voice followed, "I wouldn't trust him, Grandpa. Ephraim is nuts."

"Sara. Sara. Sara."

She ran towards me and jumped to give me a hug. "I miss you, squirt. You being good to mom and dad?"

"More than you are."

"I hear you're being forced to do something you don't want."

"Hush, no one is forcing anything on me."

At least that's what I kept telling myself. Every year my parents prepared me for this, and I denied the idea.

After our quick reunion, we ate dinner. Boy, I missed my mom's cooking. We then headed out to the bonfire while the rest of the Quileutes joined us.

Sam and Emily's daughters joined us and sat beside me. "Ephraim!" They were a few years older than me, and we grew up being fast friends. However, Emma, the younger sister had wanted more than friendship. We dated during our teen years, but I ended the relationship. I didn't have that connection with her anymore. She was devastated, but she secretly hoped I would return to her.

"Emma, Pauline. It's good to see you ladies."

We briefly talked about school and our personal lives. Pauline was in a serious relationship, but Emma was still patiently single. She also sat pretty close to me and would try to hold my hands when she could. I felt uncomfortable, so I got up.

"You ladies want anything to drink?"

Pauline looked at me first, "I'm good, Ephraim. Thanks."

"Emma? Anything for you?"

"Yes, please. I'll have what you have."

Great. I went to the table to grab a few drinks. When I returned, I handed it to her and she looked beside her empty chair, so I would sit with her. However, I saw Michael, and I ran towards him.

He saw me too, and we both howled like maniacs. Michael was Seth and Bena's son. He was my best friend and though I was four years older than him, he looked up to me like a brother. We talked constantly while I was away for school, but I hadn't spent time with him in a while. There was going to be a lot of catching up to do with Michael.

My dad started the meeting since he was chief now. It was the normal meeting that was held yearly except this time, they allowed the kids in on this one. My dad spoke of the shape shifters, and about how we came about to be wolves. It was a story I heard over and over at home, yet I always learned something new each time.

"It seems our kid's generation are not phasing into wolves. It can only mean the danger of vampires have been minimal. Fortunately for them, they're able to live normal human lives unlike us. However, if the time does come, we'll be ready."

I secretly prayed I wouldn't phase. No phasing meant no imprinting. To be bound to a person with no choice sounded like prison to me.

"Ephraim."

I didn't realize I had wondered off mentally. "Yes, sir."

"Your mother and I have been patiently waiting for your phase into a wolf; however, since it has not happened then we have suggested you to at least meet your imprint."

"What the hell? Are you crazy?"

"No." Emma spoke up but realized she was out of line.

"Dad, there is no way you guys are going to force me. What is wrong with you guys?"

My mom stood up and when she did, I knew to keep quiet. "Ephraim, there is a reason for the imprints to occur. It's to strengthen our clan, your people. Our ancestors have selected one for you, it's never by our own choice. You'll soon understand, but since you haven't phased yet ..."

"Mom, stop this nonsense talk. I'm. Not. Going. To. Meet. Anyone."

My impatience took over and I hopped on my bike and rode off. I couldn't believe my parents. They always gave me the freedom to do what I wanted, so why couldn't they let me keep that freedom.

I ended up riding to my grandparent's cottage in Forks. Their lights were on so I let myself in.

"Hello? Grandpa? Grandma? You guys home?"

There was no answer. I searched the house and they weren't inside. I saw the backdoor was unlocked and headed to the back to find them.

I didn't see them. Instead, I saw the back of someone sitting on the hammock. She had long black silky hair. Her skin was pale but with the candles burning, it made her skin illuminate a soft glow. I noticed her long, graceful fingers and she was sketching away in her notebook. She was oblivious that I was standing there.

I cleared my throat to get her attention. "Uh hm."

She turned around and was frightened either by my height or my appearance. I hadn't showered all day and looked a mess. I was completely embarrassed.

She was an exquisite creature. Her lips were full and her eyes were gold. Gold. Pale. Shit. She was a vampire. Exotic though. I had to stop staring at her.

"I'm sorry. I'm looking for my ..."

"Ephraim!"

I turned around and saw my grandparents, Edward and Bella.

"What are you doing here? I thought there was a meeting."

"I left early. I needed to get away. I hope you guys don't mind if I crash here tonight, but I see that you already have a guest so ..."

I turned around to point her out, but she was gone.

"I'm sorry, she was sitting right here on the hammock."

"Ephraim, you can certainly stay, but please call your parents to let them know at least."

"Yeah, I will."

I went back inside but it was to find her not call my parents.

"So a run away, huh? How old are you, twelve?" She was standing in front of me, and making fun of me.

"Technically visiting, and I'm twenty-two."

"You have a stinch, can't quite pinpoint it."

"You've never met anyone like me."

"Likewise."

She was intuitive and a smart mouth.

"So how old are you? Over a hundred, like the rest of them."

She didn't like my comment as her eyebrows pinched in response.

"My number may be smaller than yours but my maturity level is beyond your years."

"What is it about you ladies and being proper about giving your age? It's a valid question with a simple answer."

She finally released a smile, and I could see her perfectly aligned white teeth. Her dimples were cut deep, and I liked her smile. I liked it a lot.

"Age is just a number, Ephraim. Speaking of numbers, it's getting late and I'd like to retire to my room. Have a pleasant evening."

She walked pass me and into the hallway. She smelled like vampire but she cloaked her smell with a soft floral scent.

"Vampires don't need sleep."

"I didn't say I needed sleep. I only need peace and quiet."

I didn't want her to leave me just yet.

"Wait, you know my name, so may I at least get yours?"

She turned around and gave me half a smile which still showcased her dimple.

"Ashling. My name is Ashling. Good night."

She closed the door behind her, and I stood there speechless.

All I could do was whisper and repeated her name, "Ashling." For some odd reason, I didn't want to forget her name.

AN: If you're reading this then you've read my first chapter. Thank you for reading my stories that want to escape my minuscule brain. I knew when I finished Night and Day that I was going to have a hard time doing nothing. Thus, I decided why not write about Jacob and Nessie's son?

If you like this chapter so far, please comment. I really get tickled when I hear from readers. It motivates me!

-kl