I was in the bathroom, curling my hair loosely as my radio sang it's heart out. I know you got the best intentions. Just trying to find the right words to say. I promise I've already learned my lesson, but right now I wanna be not ok. I sigh as I tiredly put some makeup on. I usually didn't do that but seeing as I was meeting new people... excuse me elders, I wanted to represent Jacob and Paul well. Seeing as my eyes had heavy bags underneath them, from lack of sleep, I found myself quite the opposite of attractive. I shall thank my nightmares for that.

I'm so tired of sitting here waiting, If I hear on more 'just be patient' it's always gonna stay the same

"Why such depressing music in here?"

I look over at my mom and give her a small smile, "Sorry, I'm just tired. I really didn't want to go tonight. I just wanted to catch up on some sleep."

"Then why did you agree, mija? You could've just told them you were tired, they would've understood." She came beside me and looked into my eyes, "You do look exhausted, are you getting sick?"

"Don't jinx me." I say with a small glare, and pulled away from her. I started packing my stuff up and putting it away. "I promised if I had any free time and they asked for my attendance I would come. I can't break this vow. If I did they would become more pushy and wouldn't allow my say in anything. This way I have a little more control, and we go at my pace."

"You mean this way you can keep your secrets." My mother said pointedly.

I whirled around and growled. Something I never do and she took a step back with her hands raised,knowing she pushed to far. "You're right. You have every right to be cautious, mija. You guys just met and you don't have to share everything, yet. But mija, remember it will go a whole lot better for you, if they don't find out on their own."

I placed my hands and my hips, "Are you going to tell them?"

She mocked my stance and raised an eyebrow, "No, but you know that they will find out. Secrets find a way to rear their ugly heads."

I groan, "I don't need this right now, mama! Why can't you just... just... be on my side. Just this once. Every time it comes down to it you always pick the other side."

Her eyes softened, "That's not true, mija. I'm always on your side. I'm just warning you of the inevitable. I don't want to see you hurt again."

I turn my back on her and she sighed deciding to drop it for now and leave me be. I look at my exhausted form in the mirror and wonder if she was right about me being sick. Don't look at me like that, just like you understand. Don't try to pull me back

I sigh and sing the last chorus, feeling everything she felt. Let me just give up Let me just let go. If this isn't good for me then I don't wanna know.

My heart was broken and I knew my mom was trying to put the pieces back together as best she could. But right now it felt every time she tried they crumbled further. I know it's depressing. I know she is worried, but really she shouldn't be. I'm not going anywhere. I've got things I had to do. Responsibilities I had to uphold, and I couldn't just leave her to deal with this life without me.

I guess the guys made her feel better, safer in a way. Like she wasn't the only one talking me off the cliff. now she had an army. An army of men that would make sure nothing ever happened to me again. Whether it be from someone else's hands or my own. I cringed of the thought of what they'd do if they ever found me in one of my weaker moments.

"Probably bundle me up and take me home with them until they were sure I was strong again... maybe even longer." I mumble to myself. I gathered my purse and a small jacket, before hopping into my truck. I drove the short distance to the cliffs, where the bonfire was being held , and put on my fake persona. Shoulders back. Eyes focused. Lips sealed into a neutral stance, not smiling or scowling but of indifference. I stepped out of the truck and instantly put my jacket on. It's hard for a wolf to be cold, maybe I was sick.

Jacob was the first to spot me. He smiled at me and rushed to my side in excitement, wrapping me in a hug, which I was not accustomed to with him. I cringed at the show of affection , but inside my body relaxed and enjoyed his touch. "I'm glad you made it Maya."

I rolled my eyes, "Oh as if one of you wouldn't have come and dragged me here, if I didn't."

He smirked at me, but then paused sniffing me, "Are you sick?"

I rolled my eyes, "No. Werewolves don't get sick. Remember?"

He went to say something, but then Paul joined us and kissed my forehead gently, "Hey little one, glad you came willingly."

I smirked and raised an eyebrow, he laughed and shrugged, "Just keeping it real, princess."

I scrunched my nose, "Don't call me that."

He placed an arm around me, and didn't respond. He guided me to the fire while Jacob took my other side and held my hand. It felt awkward to be in between them like this, but when we approached, everyone that gathered looked up and smiled at us. I squirmed under their gaze until a girl with dark long hair stepped forward and slyly stole me from the guys. "Hi I'm Emily. It's nice to meet another imprint, we have so much to talk about."

She lead me away to another girl that I've seen in class before... I think her name is Kim. I looked back at the men and they waved at me before joining their pack brothers. I couldn't help but feel slightly betrayed. I came here to fulfill their need to be around me and they pawned me off onto the women. If this is any indication of how future dates will be then I will start declining their offers. I looked back at the ladies. Emily had long, dark, beautiful hair that distracted anyone away from the scars on her face. Infact, I almost didn't notice them until I actually looked at her. Three deep jagged scratches stood out on the right side of her face. I didn't car to know what happened, because I knew it had to be from one of the wolves. I cringed and wondered if this was a punishment Jacob or Paul would try to dish out on me. I didn't think they would and I never would let them, but the thought still crossed my mind. Kim had shoulder length hair and her eyes were deep pools of the thickest darkest mud I've ever seen. Both were beautiful, but I still felt very uneasy around them.

"Are you cold?" Emily asked, seeing my shiver under my jacket.

"Of course not Emily! Didn't Sam tell you, she's a wolf. She doesn't get cold." Kim rolled her eyes and stuck her hand out to shake mine, "I haven't introduced myself, but I've seen you in school. I'm Kim, Jared's imprint. This is Emily, Sam's. So far it's just us... well except for Claire, but she's still a baby. She's Quil's imprint."

"Nice to meet you." I say. I pull my jacket closer, "To answer your question Emily, I am a little chilled."

"That's odd" Kim stated, "You know when we first imprinted we got cold easily too. We just played it off as us being used to being in extreme heat with our mates, but maybe it's something more."

I shook my head, "Whatever this is I don't like it."

Just then Sam, Jared and Jacob came to us, each with a plate of food. They handed it to us and I noticed mine had a lot more food than theirs. Wolves had a higher metabolism and needed a lot of food to keep up their energy.

"The stories are about to start, ladies. Why don't you join us?" Sam said and we all followed him towards the fire. Everyone was sitting on logs around the fire already eating, but as soon as we came in Paul moved over to let me sit next to him. Jacob came up behind me, lifted me up and sat me on his lap. I looked at the other imprints and realized they were in the same position, only in their own imprints laps, completely content where they were. I,on the other hand,was embarrassed as hell. This was too close for comfort and downright submissive in a way,and I just felt uneasy. I squirmed a little and Jacob turned me to face him, "Hey it's ok. If you truly don't like this I'll sit on the floor.

I looked around and realized all the logs spots were taken up. I settled down then and shook my head, slowly.

"It's ok. I'm fine." I lied and slowly started eating my hamburger.

An elder named Billy Black, who is Jacob's father, started telling stories about the tribe. They were all quite interesting, but the one that stood out the most was this one about the first imprint.

"In the beginning the wolf didn't know what to make of it," Billy stated. "He knew he and his mate were bonded stronger than any love he had ever had. He thought it just meant that the 'love at first sight' myth existed. But it proved to be more than that. He felt an overwhelming need to protect her. Not only that, but he felt his strength and energy increased immensely, since her arrival in his life. They seemed more connected and in tune to each other than anyone. In some instances, it almost appeared that they read each others mind. One day, a group of vampires appeared in their lands. They fought side by side, despite her being human. She served as a distraction as the wolves killed off the vampires. Of course, her wolf didn't approve her being so close in immediate danger, however she proved to be useful in the battle. Her wolf ended up injured, but he healed quickly after she kissed him. It was almost as if she transferred her energy to him in that kiss and saved him from a weeks time of healing. "

"Wait!" Emily interrupted, "Are you saying, us imprints have magic too?"

Billy smiled, "In some cases, yes. Imprints are more than just perfect breeding partners, but they strengthen their wolves with their own energy."

"But what does this mean for the imprints?" Paul asked, looking at me with concern.

"Nothing really." Billy shrugged. "It's been reported though, that they seem to be more tired and more likely to become sick since they transfer everything to their partner... or partners as we are now coming to see."

Everyone looked at me and I blushed bright red.

"Why weren't we made aware of this sooner?" Sam asked, pulling Emily closer to him as if shielding her from the elder.

Billy sighed, "We didn't think it was of any truth. We still don't, but seeing a wolf clutching her jacket as if its her lifeline, gives us some doubt."

Jacob started rubbing my arms, trying to warm me further. Which embarrassed me further, I pushed his hands away and gave him a glare. He frowned but dropped it. They concluded their stories with that and everyone gathered their things to leave. Apparently, the rest of the imprinted wolves weren't pleased with this bit of news and moved to get their mates somewhere warmer than the chilly cliffs. Before I could retreat to my truck, Jacob stopped me.

"I know it's cold, but could you meet my father, before you leave?"

I was about to answer, when Paul came beside me, "Make it quick. I don't like that she is out here, in that little jacket. I wish they would've told us this sooner."

I gritted my teeth, "I'm fine! Jesus, it's not like I'm dying of frost bite. Chill out!"

I stomped away from them, and moved toward Billy. I held out my hand for him to shake and I smiled, "Hi, I'm Maya. I guess I'm your son's imprint."

He smirked up at me and took my hand and shook it, "Maya, I've heard a lot about you. I'm afraid I may have caused you some unwanted attention from your mates."

"It's fine. I can handle myself. They will learn I'm not one to lay down and take orders. Thank you for the stories, they were fascinating." I say.

"Your welcome. I know you have not joined the pack, but you are now a part of this tribe. If you have any questions, feel free to come to me." He said.

I nodded, "I may take you up on that one day."

"Then I shall wait eagerly." he smirked, but it disappeared as soon as I felt my mates join either side of me.

I sighed and waved at Billy, "My wardens have come to escort me back to my truck. It was nice to meet you."

"It was nice meeting you too, Maya. Don't be a stranger now."

Jacob turned me towards my truck, which was already running for me. I reached down to my jean pocket and saw my keys were no longer there. I looked at Jacob, menacingly and he held his hands up. "Hey they fell out when you stood up, I just seized the opportunity."

I rolled my eyes and climbed into my truck. Paul moved into my doorway and tucked a strand of wayward hair behind my ear, "Will we see you tomorrow?"

I sighed and looked down, "I plan on joining a patrol run tomorrow at 9. The rest of the day I'm busy."

He nodded, and knew better than to ask what I was doing. "Well I start my patrol at 8, so I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Give me your phone."

I grabbed my phone out and handed it to him. He gently took it from me and started typing. I hear a ring in his pocket and seconds later Jacob's phone rang too. He handed me back my phone, "Now we all have each others number. If something comes up, send us a text."

I nodded, taking my phone back and before I could stop it I yawned. Paul kissed my forehead, "Go ahead and head home, little one. Get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow. Sweet dreams."

"Ok... Night." He smiled and moved out of the way for Jacob. Jacob buckled me in and kissed my forehead, "Drive safe, give us a text when you get home."

I nodded, "Night, Jacob. Thanks for inviting me."

"Anytime, sweetheart. Good night, Maya." He shut my door gently. and I took my truck out of park.

"You're going on patrol tonight? Does that mean you joined their pack?" My mother asked excitedly.

"No but in order to have protection, I need to help out." I say.

My mother rolls her eyes, "Whatever you say, mija."

I roll my eyes back, but then I look at her seriously, "You're ok with this, right? I can always just stay home."

She waved me off, "It's fine. Plus this will be the first time you can hang out with Paul. I'm sure he's been itching to get to know you as much as Jacob has."

I laugh humorously, "Jacob doesn't know much more about me than he does. I'm sure whatever I say or do gets reported back to the other anyway."

She chuckled darkly, "No getting away with anything for you then. They surprisingly took this imprinting well. Seems like they already have a united front and only want what's best."

I shrug, "I guess. But we also have to remember they really didn't have a choice in the matter. If they fought, I'd be left without a mate, and they'd be left without a fellow pack brother... Mom? Why have you accepted this? I mean seeing as last time..."

"Don't even mention that prick. I never accepted him in your life, but you were so hard to reach. You wouldn't take no as an answer. He may have taught you the basics and helped you through the change, but that doesn't excuse what all he has done. With Jacob and Paul... call it mother's intuition, but I don't think they'd be able to pull half the shit that douche bag did." she sighed, looking down. "I just wish I had a better handle on you, back then."

I sigh, "There was nothing you could do then, I was too far gone. I was married and had responsibilities. Nothing you could've said or did would've stopped me."

She smiled slightly and I stood up, "Well, I better go before they think I'm not going to show. "

"Ok, mija. I'll see you tomorrow."

I leave the house and shifted. Tonight was going to be a long night.