Arriving at First Beach was exciting. I hadn't seen Sam since dinner and then we didn't get the chance to talk. I knew I had nothing to worry about. I knew he would be mad, but never at me over this. I had got this pep talk from Leah since she could tell I was nervous. I just smiled at her and let her keep comforting me. This was what she needed to do. As we got out of Leah's truck I spotted him, standing around the fire shirtless was definitely my new favorite look. He was talking to Jared and a young girl. Instantly his head shot up. This was my favorite part of the imprint. We could feel when the other was near, almost like an instant calm feeling, settling you.
Watching Sam walk my way just leaving in the middle of whatever conversation he was having made me feel like the most important person in the world. That was also the imprint. I was number one, always. As I stood watching him walk my way I went over my plan for tonight. Step One : See my wolf, Step Two : He was going to kiss me before my eighteenth birthday, Step Three : Let him decide about hearing about my past from me or Leah's memory.
When Sam was close enough in range I ran jumping off the wood curb and into Sam's arms. I felt Sam swing me and let out a laugh. I finally had a reason to laugh and smile and I was soaking up every second. Leaning back to look at him his smile mirrored my own. We were happy, happy together. Staring at Sam's smile was mesmerizing, his mouth was perfect. If I closed my eyes at night thinking about his smile it would light up my dreams. Nightmares were chased away by Sam's smile. Suddenly he cleared his throat and went to set me down. I pulled him close for a second then let him go, feeling the loss of heat.
"Come on Bella Baby, let me introduce you to the other imprints. You'll love them." He said, taking my hand in his and leading the way.
Walking up to where everyone is gathering I remember to remind Sam he can't phase yet. I tug on his hand until he stops to face me. I look down at my feet shyly so he can't read my emotions as well. Little help that did I think as I feel his hand angling my face up toward him.
"Everyone will love you. Trust me. Don't worry about anything. It's just you and me." He starts to pull me toward him and I push off his chest and take a step backward. He completely misinterpreted me pulling him away. I really need to work on my delivery skills.
"No, Sam it isn't that. It's… well, uh, um. Maybe before you phase again do you think I can talk to you?"
Instantly alert, his tone changes to worried. "Bella, what is this about?"
"Well, I kind of told Leah about something, and uh I uh, didn't know if you would want to be surprised just hearing it or if you would rather be warned. I mean, well, I could tell you if you wanted but it may be harder coming from me than coming from her."
"Bella," I hear him sigh. "I have told you before that the wolf in me gets upset easily and you calm that. Imprints in general calm their mates. If it came from you, your presence would calm me."
"That's kind of the problem, it's about me and I don't know if you would be able to handle it coming from me. That's all. I mean, Leah was really mad and crying when I told her, but she stayed in control. I didn't tell Leah everything because I didn't want those kind of images in her head. I don't want them in yours either but I understand if you would want some details, ya know, just between us."
"Babe, start from the beginning." He asked, still looking confused.
As I started telling him about the afternoon he started to shake. I had figured out quickly over the past couple of days that this was the wolf getting anxious inside him. I went over everything up until the point that I told Leah about Renee. I held his gaze and quietly asked, "Do you want to hear what happened with my mom from Leah or me?" He was quiet for what seemed like a lifetime. His entire body was trembling as I heard Leah walk up and tell Sam we needed to go to the woods. He just nodded and took my hand, leading the way.
The edge of the woods Leah took control. She knew Sam better than I did and what he could handle.
"Bella, how about you let Sam phase then just sit next to him as he finds out? No one else is phased right now. No one else will know yet. Only you and I will be here when he finds out." I felt the tear roll down my cheek as a barely nodded my consent. Sam just looked at me making sure I was okay with that. He caught my teary smile and returned it with a slight one of his own. Trying to cheer him up, I kissed his hand and joked.
"You better be careful, I may like the furry you more than the washboard." I giggled when I caught his smirk. He stepped back and the air around him started to shake, then I saw him fall to his hands and gasped at the wolf in the spot that he filled.
I took a step toward the wolf that was the size of a horse at least. The wolf was black as tar and big gold eyes with dark brown around the pupil. If it wasn't for the gold, almost the color of flames, it would be my Sam's eyes. I thought back to when Sam imprinted and remembered his eyes being the opposite. Maybe it went along with which one was in control at the moment. The eyes still belonged to my Sam though. The wolf was my Sam, my Sam was the wolf. I walked completely up to him with a slight smile, wrapping my arms around the wolf's giant neck. I heard the let out of his breath then leaned back and looked up to his eyes. I smiled real big and kissed the wolf's snout. Ha! Then leaning back and looking into his shocked gaze I said, "I knew it! Definitely like the wolf better. He lets me kiss him, even if he can't kiss me back." I laughed out loud when I heard what could only be his snort of laughter shaking his giant head back and forth.
Turning back serious, I looked directly in his eyes and said, "Are you sure you're ready? Why don't you lay down and lay your head in my lap. If it will fit that is." Hearing him breathing a couple big breaths readying himself for what he didn't know was coming, I sank to the ground. Sitting "indian style" , pun intended, I patted my lap waiting for him to be ready. Slowly he laid down resting his head and closing his eyes. I sat petting his fur and stroking his head down to his shoulder blades and back up. This was my Sam.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw the other wolf. I would get a closer look at her later. I needed to be here for Sam.
I knew the instant the wolf whined that it had started. He was seeing everything I went through. The whining stopped and I heard the growl, then the snarl. I just kept stroking him, hoping it was almost over.
I had tears streaming down my face by the time I heard Leah's voice.
"Stay out here as long as you would like. I'll let everyone else know not to phase just yet." She turned to walk out of the woods when my voice stopped her.
"Thank you Leah." I didn't watch her leave but I knew she was gone.
I had no clue how much time had passed as I continued to stroke my wolf. This was comforting him and I would sit here as long as it took. My Sam needed me. My wolf needed me. I knew he wasn't asleep because I could still feel his emotions running through me. They were still all over the place. Anger, sadness, hope, love, I gasped at the loved emotion. Sam told me he loved me without even saying it. I could feel it. I slowly began to push my love emotion to Sam, if he could make me feel it, I could make him. I concentrated so hard on the love I had for him. From the first second I made eye contact, to him telling my dad he would always protect me, to him showing me his wolf. I continued by focusing on smaller details, his eyes, his smile, the smirk I loved seeing, finally landing on the eyes of his wolf. The eyes of his wolf have to be the greatest eyes that have ever looked at me. I knew his wolf made the imprint. I didn't doubt Sam's feelings for me and I have no doubt we would have made it to each other eventually, but his wolf had the imprint. I wonder if Sam could tell? I wonder if he knew his wolf was in love with me? The wolf in him knew, mind, body, and soul, that I was his mate the second he looked in my eyes.
His wolf was feeling everything going through me at this moment, and he knew the second I figured it out. Sam's head shot up out of my lap and gazed at me. The wolf was gazing knowingly at me, with a sense of pride. I wonder if everyone figured this out, the separation of the two, but the connection to make the man and wolf one. I leaned it and kissed the side of his snout and felt him rub his head along my face. Before I knew it he shot up and trotted off into the woods without even a hint of waiting for me. I could hear the bonfire and crowd still behind me so I just waited for Sam. Then I saw him. He was walking between the trees having phased back and wearing some amazing khaki shorts. I swear that man is gorgeous.
Walking up to me he still hadn't said a word. I felt his hand graze the side of my jaw and his body move closer. I could feel the heat coming off of him. Gazing in his eyes, I gasped. Sam's eyes were the eyes of my wolf. I closed my eyes as I felt Sam's mouth land on mine. If I thought his smile lit up my day it was nothing compared to the fireworks going off behind my eyelids. I wrapped my arms around his neck playing with the hair on the back of neck as he pulled away gasping. I blinked my eyes open, missing the comfort of his mouth, his eyes were slowly fading back to Sam's rich brown. I let me hands sink to around his waist and pulled him into a hug. I felt home for the first time in twelve years. I was home, with Dad, Sue, Seth, Leah, Sam, and my wolf.
As we headed back to the bonfire hand in hand Quil whistled at us, making a smart remark about him taking me to the woods so I would trade in Sam. Ha, not gonna happen buddy I thought as I laughed off his remark and hugged Sam's arm.
"Bella Baby, I would like to introduce you to everyone now." Walking around the entire circle I met Emily, Paul's imprint, wow was he different around her. He was still hard faced but looking at her he just softened. I had learned pretty quickly he was the fighter of the group, the hot head. Emily was so soft spoken and sweet beyond belief. I briefly caught the sight of the scares down the right side of her face. Even more quickly Paul noticed where I was looking and kissed each mark. I smiled softly seeing every ounce of love he was giving. As Emily leaned into his kiss I remembered the snacks in the truck.
"Babe, all the food is still in the truck! I forgot it!" I felt his jolt when I called babe but ignored it.
Paul replied with a laugh. "Um, Bella, some of the guys found the snacks. And, they are gone. I tried to warn them, but eventually they have to dig their own graves." I gasped and heard Sam growl.
I jolted and turned to look at Sam, "What's wrong? Babe, it's not a big deal. That's what I made them for. I was just shocked that everything is gone. Really, it's fine." I said hurriedly, trying to get his temper reined in.
The soft voice of Emily responded. "Bella, that's not it. It's a wolf thing. The alpha eats first. Not only that but, they didn't save any, at all. The older guys know that. The younger ones will most definitely be taught a lesson. They didn't even ask if it was okay, or if that was meant for them. You could have been having a bake sale, who knows, but the point is, they didn't ask. It was a very disrespectful act and you're the alpha's mate. So all that adds up to disrespect to the alpha's mate, and that is most definitely not okay." Wow, I stood shocked. I have a lot to learn and Emily is going to be my teacher. I see the point now. Not only did they disrespect me, but they also disrespected their alpha. All this wolf stuff is more ingrained than I thought.
I looked up at Sam waiting for his response. Instead, I realized that everyone there knew what the rules were and none of them cared. I would be pissed if I was Sam. Most of these guys only briefly met me. Then I challenged him in front of all of them. I brought my hand to his face looking into his hard gaze. Yep, he was mad and I was part of the reason.
"Sam, I'm sorry. I didn't understand. I won't disregard your feelings again." He looked at me shocked, shocked that I had understood so well. Then leaning down and to kiss my forehead then called the group over to us.
Watching Sam in his alpha stance was amazing. Almost like watching a leader walking into the room and taking over. You know by the way they walk, the way they stand, the look they give everyone, they are the leader and they are the ones in charge. Sam was definitely in charge and demanding respect. None of the guys were even making eye contact. I quietly wondered if this was a wolf/alpha thing. I'll have to ask Sam later. Emily walked up next to me leaving Paul's side and held my hand. I gave a light squeeze as we watched everything unfold.
When Sam started speaking Kim also walked over to the three of us. Obviously the girls didn't want to be involved in this one. As I heard his alpha voice for the first time I felt the chills run over me. That was the sexiest voice I had ever heard. I just stood tall and watched this man that was mine. I felt proud and immediately my mind wandered about the first time Sam and I would be together intimately. Wow! I hope I can get him to use that voice on me.
I didn't break from my alpha bedroom Sam fantasy until Quil came into my line of sight. I took a step backwards shocked at how close he was. I had missed the entire scolding because of my Sam induced coma.
"Bella, I'm sorry. There is no excuse for that behavior. I will willingly help make a second batch of everything. Jake and I take full responsibility for taking your things without permission." I stood up straight, knowing that this role came with all things Sam.
"I accept your apology Quil, thank you. I'll take you up on that offer though. You can help me make everything again at Sam's tomorrow. After all, you ate all the muffins for tomorrow's breakfast." I heard a collective gasp and quirked an eyebrow at everyone. I caught Sam's smile and returned it with one of my own.
Jake was next up, here we go. "Bella, Quil and I were wrong. We are sorry we ruined breakfast too. I can help with food sometime this week when Sam isn't running us on patrol. I can help with other stuff too." I looked to Sam for encouragement and saw his nod. He was telling me to dish out both boys punishments as I saw fit. I thought carefully then looked at both Quil and Jake.
"How are you boys on a grill?" They both smirked. Apparently it's a rite of passage as a man to be good on a grill. Ha, well teach them to eat my snacks again…
"How about tomorrow I teach you both to bake and we will replenish the snacks then both of you can cook the entire meal for the pack tomorrow night. You can even go with me tomorrow after the baking is done and help pick out what you will cook. What do you think?" They both stood stock still. They were in for it, bigtime. They have no clue what it takes to cook for a pack their size. Oh yeah! I was gonna wear these boys out. I heard Emily and Kim bust out laughing. The tense silence was broken with everyone laughing at my punishment.
Sam walked over and wrapped his arm around my shoulder I leaned into him and heard him say,"Babe, along with all the cooking tomorrow, they are on patrol all night tonight and tomorrow night. Did you not hear me telling them about their punishment from me? What were you so distracted by?" My face turned bright red. Oh God, these guys won't sleep for the next 48 hours at least, all because I couldn't get Alpha Sam sexy voice out of my head. Diving into Sam's chest I tried to hide my embarrassment while laughing at myself.
Looking back at Sam I laughed off my response.
"Well, that teaches them to get into my baked goods. I had to practically break Leah's fingers with the wooden spoon today. There were at least double snacks but Leah can put away the food." Sam smirked at me then pulling me close and bending to my ear in a low tone stated, "You will tell me eventually. I'll get it out of you sometime." Ah! There was that voice again. He knew exactly what he was doing using the Alpha Sam sexy voice. I shivered. Hearing him laugh out loud I shoved my elbow into his side. He just laughed harder. I'll be bruised by morning and he gets the laugh.
Finally leaving the bonfire, I was getting more and more anxious. All I wanted was to lay in Sam's arms all night. I started to head to Leah's truck when he walked up behind me. I loved how big Sam was. He was at least a foot taller than me and his arm is the size of one of my thighs and pure muscle. I guess all the guys had the same build but none of them even compared to Sam. I felt his breath on my ear as he spoke.
"And just where do you think you're going Bella?" Deciding to see if I could rile him up, I played innocent.
"Well Mr. Large and In Charge, I assumed I would be heading to your house. Leah can take me home though, I'm sure she wouldn't mind."
"Oh, you'll be coming to my house. I'm just wondering why you're heading this direction." He knew I liked this bossy side now that he showed it to me, and boy is he playing it for all its worth. Well two can play that game big boy.
"Hmm. That's weird. I could have sworn this was the way to the truck." Smiling to myself but trying to keep my composure as I heard him growl. Twenty feet from Leah's truck I started my pep talk, Just get there Bella, just get there. You can win this game. Just ten more feet Bella. Just five more feet. Sam's arms were still around my waist as I reached out to open the door. I suddenly turned in his arms and smirked. "See I knew it. I thought wolves were supposed to have a good nose on them. See you at your house." I said quickly, then standing on my tippy toes to kiss his cheek. I was able to wiggle out of his grip only because he was still shocked. Ha. Alpha or not he can still take a joke.
Arriving at his house came with a much different set of nerves. Leah, Jake and Seth were still going on and on about how they couldn't believe I had left him standing with his tail between his legs in the parking lot. I know they all saw me as someone to be coddled but I was quickly coming out of my shell.
My door was opened and I was being hauled out before the truck was put in park. He was slowly figuring me out. I yelped out in shock but still had this giant grin on my face.
"See I told you I was coming to stay at your house. I do wish I could have ridden with you though." Still playing the game, I looked up shyly.
"Well, you could have if you wouldn't have left my ass in the parking lot."My smile dropped quickly as I heard the rough sound of his voice. Uh Oh, I had done something wrong. I just didn't know what yet.
Softly trying to gage his mood I looked up at him, and then moving my hand to his face, I turned it down to me so I had eye contact.
"Sam?" I questioned. "I was just playing around. I thought you knew that. I'm sorry. I would have never left if I thought you felt this way." I watched him close his eyes and let out a sigh. Then it hit me, he is on the same new turf I am. He knows the imprint is holding us together but with all the work, training the new kids, patrolling, and spending time/taking care of me, he needs a break. Tonight finding out about my past, then the disrespect from the pack, then me running from him, Sam was confused. Sam and I needed time to know each other without everyone around.
As I asked Sam to let me down a different look crossed his face. Yep, he needed sleep then tomorrow we needed to discuss all of this. I was confusing him at every turn. Taking his hand I asked him to lead me to his room.
