A/N: I'm grateful to see this story has picked up some popularity. I feel bad that I had it on the back burner while I worked on my other stories. I'll be sure to move it to the front of the line. Thanks so much again for the favs, follows, and reviews. It definitely pushes me to move the story along.

P.S: If you are one of the ten people in this world who have not seen 'The Matrix', there may be some spoilers.

Edit: 10-17-16

Musical Inspiration:

I Really Like You - by Carly Rae Jepsen

Legacy Of The Heart

.-^-.

Chapter 11

Stolen Kisses

"That's wonderful Claire," Zyanya said as she straightened another child's arms. "Keep those toes pointed girls. Remember, I want to see nice formed trees for fifth position."

Zee took a step back from her pupil and observed the young class. While Tchaikovsky's 'Waltz of the flowers' played in the background, her students giggled and learned the basics of ballet.

Spring break had begun, and with it, a full set of dance classes to teach. For the last hour, her studio had been filled with little girls who were aged four to six. Claire was her only student that was three. She was Emily's niece and since she was such a close friend, Zee slipped her in.

Hearing the laughter heighten over the music, Zee turned to see what had all the girls acting silly. Gazing through the wall of glass that viewed the forest, she covered her mouth and let out her own chuckle. Jared and Paul were flitting about outside as if they were performing their own version of Swan Lake. Needing the girls to calm down, Zee put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes in mock anger. The boys got the hint and did an end bow to finish their performance.

While the children clapped, Zee looked to the clock and saw they were finished. "Okay girls... time's up for today. Remember to practice at home." While the class grabbed their bags to leave, Zee walked over to her youngest student. "Claire, I need you to sit on the chair and wait for me while I take each child to their parent. Your mommy is already inside with your Aunt Emily so I will bring you to her when I am done."

Using her knee, Claire climbed on top of the chair, took a seat, and let her legs swing back and forth. "Okay Miss Z."

Zee opened the studio door and let each child out one by one. When all the parents and kids were matched, she picked Claire up and brought her into the house. With a passing smile to Emily, she walked into the living room to find Sharon nose deep in a book about duct tape. The woman was a crafting genius with the stuff.

Claire's mother looked up and pushed her black framed glasses further up the slope of her nose. "All finished?" She questioned while Zee lowered her daughter to the ground.

"Yup, she did great. Claire takes better direction than some of the older girls."

Sharon held out her arms and the little girl responded to rush in for a hug. Her mother gave her a squeeze and kissed the top of her head. "That's my little ballerina. I'm so proud of you."

Zee watched the pair and smiled. She had enjoyed getting to know the 22 year old this week. Emily filled her in on Sharon's sad situation. She had learned that Em's sister had been engaged to her high school sweetheart. They had planned to marry right after school, but her fiancé died in a horrible robbery before they could. Now, it is just the two of them living on the Makah Reservation.

As Sharon gathered up her things she looked to Zyanya. "So... same day next week?"

Zee gave her a nod. "Yup, see you then." The younger brunette watched as Sharon buttoned her daughter's coat and grabbed her hand. With a goodbye, both girls left and Zee hurried herself to her room. She only had thirty minutes until Jake would be here to go on patrol with her.

While getting ready, Zee made the decision to introduce Jake to Boox. It had been almost a week since he apologized and they re-established their friendship. Each day they had hung out and had fun together. Zyanya would admit to herself that she was having a difficult time keeping her feelings within the friendship border. She could not explain the unusual pull she felt towards him. Still... she fought it and would continue to do so.

Walking from her room to the kitchen, she found the boy who was invading her thoughts. Jake was leaning on the counter and stood up straight when he noticed her presence. When she saw his face light up with that happy smile of his, hers immediately mirrored it and her stomach went into butterfly mode. She mentally chanted Bella's name in her head over and over again.

Zee pulled her gaze away and fiddled with clipping her phone to her arm. Bringing her attention back, she gestured to the door. "You ready to go?"

"Yeah." He began to walk behind her. "We are early though."

Zee turned her head back to respond. "I know, but I have something I want to show you first." She gave him a mischievous smile before striding out of the house.

Once outside, the pair walked gingerly side by side and entered the forest. Zee could see Jake's curiosity was spiked and waited for the questions to flow. It didn't take long.

"Where exactly are we heading?"

"To the falls near the treaty line." She replied and received a raised eyebrow from him in return. Zee internally laughed at the circumstances. If the two of them were not just friends, it would seem like she was leading him on a romantic outing. She bit her lip and shook that idea from her mind.

"Not that I'm complaining," Jake said quickly. "but, Paul said he hasn't picked up a scent in that area for weeks."

"I know." She linked her fingers behind her back and hopped over a branch. "This hasn't anything to do with our patrols... well, maybe it sorta does," she resigned. "The important thing is, I just need you to keep an open mind." Zee stared up at him with hopeful eyes. "Do you think you can do that?"

Jake gazed into eyes and his features softened. With a lazy grin he nodded. "I can do anything you ask."

"Thanks Jake." She smiled and gave him a subtle shoulder bump.

With a comfortable silence, they reached their destination. Both teens could hear the water rushing in the distance. Zee looked up to the trees and waited. She could see that after Jake inspected their surroundings, he was keeping a watchful eye on her.

Zyanya waited and sure enough, a few moment's later, the black mist came out from beyond the trees. Boox's form was taking shape and gliding towards her. As Zee went to kneel down, arms suddenly circled her and she was spun around behind Jacob.

Standing forcefully in front of her, he pushed backwards and wouldn't let her move. "Stay back Zyanya."

Zee giggled at the sight of Boox. The jaguar lazily plopped down on the ground and tilted it's head with an annoyed expression. "Jake," she said softly to calm him. "This is what I wanted to show you."

"Zee," he started and made them take a step back together. "This is dangerous."

The brunette girl shook her head and forced him to look at her. "It's not... she's my chunal. Remember I explained it to you."

Jake looked thoughtful for a moment before staring back at the big cat. "That is your spirit protector?" he asked unsure.

"Yes, come on." She grabbed his hand before he could object and dragged him over to Boox. After giving her jaguar a good scratch behind the ears, she tried to gauge the shapeshifter's reaction. "Jake... meet my chunal Boox."

Before Jake could respond, the black cat nudged her head under his arm and began to purr. Reacting, he stroked the fur on her neck and laughed. "I think she likes me."

"Of course she does." Zee smiled. "She is an extension of myself." The jaguar continued to snuggle up to Jake causing her to let out a small laugh. "I'm not this clingy though."

Jake grinned and continued to pet her chunal. "I don't mind."

The moment he said it, Boox took the initiative and licked Jake's cheek. "Boox," Zee chided. "stop stealing kisses from Jake." Rolling her eyes, the jaguar continued. "Well, now you're just trying to embarrass me," Zee let out with a huff.

Laughing, Jake stood up and lent out a hand to help Zee stand as well. "You know," Jake began. "in a round about way, it means that you kissed me."

Zee opened and closed her mouth a few times. Much to her dismay, she didn't have the words to respond to that.

Jake chuckled and playfully put his arm around her shoulders. "It's okay, I'll make sure to pay you back another time. For now, we need to patrol." With a smile he released her and ran off.

Standing still, Zee was trying to will her feet to move and her mind to reboot. He meant when he was in wolf form... right? Clearing her mind, she ran off the other way to her familiar route.

.-^-.

Zyanya dug the heels of her feet into the sand and watched as the waves pummeled the rocks in the distance. It felt nice to relax after a long patrol. She sat and took in the cool March breeze as she waited for the boys to finish up Jake's initiation. Zee was grateful they didn't push for her to make another jump off the high cliff. She told the pack she would contently watch from below and meet them when they swam back to shore.

"Zee?"

The brunette shaded her eyes with her hand and squinted at the person now standing next to her. "Oh..." She realized it was her friend quickly. "Hey Bella, what brings you down here?"

Bella took a seat beside her in the sand and criss-crossed her legs. "Billy told my dad that Jake was here. He mentioned I should come down."

"Yes." Zee pointed in the direction of the cliffs. "He should be back shortly."

Bella nodded. "So... how's your Spring break been? Are you keeping busy?"

"It seems busy is all I am these days." She let out a slight laugh. "Between teaching dance class, my other ventures, and patrolling... I'm swamped."

"Any sign of Victoria?"

"No," Zee assured her. "Don't worry though, we have it covered."

Leaning back, Bella put her weight on her arms. "I still can't believe you're part of the pack. Jake explained a little bit about what you can do." With a sigh she paused briefly. "It kinda makes me feel insignificant. I don't like having to rely on people."

"Don't say that." Zee put a hand on her shoulder. "You're smart and with the information you have provided, it helps keep everyone safe."

"Thanks," Bella said but still didn't look convinced. Zyanya took her hand back and tried to tie her hair in a bun while her friend spoke up again. "Zee, I wanted to ask you something." With a pause she looked at her expectantly. "What's an imprint?"

Zyanya froze with her hands still tangled in her hair. She stared at Bella wide eyed as she finished. "Where did you hear that word?"

The older brunette shrugged. "Jake mentioned it in passing," she said. "He just didn't really explain what it was."

"I think you should ask Jake." Zee bit her lip wanting to end this topic of conversation.

"Please Zee," Bella begged and grabbed her friends hands making her flinch. "I know Jake wouldn't mind, in fact... I am sure he would tell me himself but I don't want to look foolish by asking." Bella tried again. "A real friend wouldn't keep a secret from another."

Zee was torn on what to do. On one hand, she knew that Bella would eventually find out anyway. On the other, the sooner she found out... the sooner her close friendship with Jake would stop. After her friend found out, it will forever be Bella and Jake. Zee mentally shook her head, she couldn't be selfish... Jake deserves to be happy. She knew she couldn't tell Bella about her being Jake's imprint but... if he already mentioned it around her, it couldn't hurt that she knew what it was, right?

"Okay." Zee took a deep breath. "It's something that only happens for those in the tribe who have shifted. It's like having a soul mate, but so much more..." She continued to tell her friend all about wolves imprinting but made sure to leave out the fact that Jacob imprinted on her.

Bella sat and listened carefully to everything the female pack member said. When Zee finished she spoke up. "What if a wolf imprinted on someone who was already in love with someone else?"

"To my knowledge, it would not be the first time that has happened. The imprint always trumps whatever feelings they had prior though. It can't really be helped, and who would really give that up anyway. People search this world for love, to find someone who understands them completely and would always be there for them. What better person then your actual other half?"

After some silence, Bella replied. "Thank you for telling me." She smiled. "I'll make sure to talk to him about it at an appropriate time." Looking off into the distance she watched the boys swimming up to the beach.

Zee could feel her facial features drop. Bella must have noticed it too because she gave her a confused look. Not wanting to be questioned anymore, Zee picked up her things. "I should get going." She stood. "I'll let you guys have some alone time, you haven't gotten to see Jake all day." With a fake smile, she trudged her way back up towards the dunes.

...

Bella watched her walk off and then turned her attention back to Jake. When she caught his eye, she gave him a large smile. She was an imprint.

.-^-.

'Rent a movie night'. It was something the entire pack had been looking forward to. Jake knew it seemed like they were together all the time, but now... it was the whole group with the imprints included. When he saw the opening next to Zyanya on the couch he practically leapt towards it. It did not go unnoticed by Paul who shot him a smirk.

Jake was a little disappointed when he returned from initiation only to find Bella waiting. He knew Zee was there because her scent lingered behind, but he didn't know why she hadn't stayed. For the rest of the evening, he spent time with Bella and promised he would take her cliff diving some day. Jake noticed Bells wasn't acting her usual self. She seemed to be more mindful and contemplative with her bouts of silence. She did look a spark happier though.

"Jake, where's Bella?" Emily asked.

"Oh..." He tried to come up with a good excuse for not inviting her. The truth was Zee interacted with him more when Bella wasn't around. "I was with her earlier, she looked tired so I didn't bring it up. I thought we would just keep it a pack thing tonight."

Emily continued to study Jake. It made him a tad uncomfortable because he had no idea what she was thinking.

"Okay." She shrugged. "But the other imprints are here."

"Yeah," Paul chimed in. "It's almost to cozy in here. That couch is like an imprintee haven."

His statement earned a glare from Jake. Paul was hinting towards things with Zee right there. Jake could see what he meant though, it was him and Zee on one end, Sam and Emily on the other, and Jared with Kim on the floor between them. Paul and Embry occupied the empty chairs.

"Hey don't count me in that group," Zee spoke out. "I'm a single lady and will be able to ogle Keanu freely."

Embry raised an eyebrow to her. "Is that why we are watching The Matrix?"

"Yes!" Zee, Emily, and Kim replied in unison. That earned a scuff from the rest of the men in the room.

While everyone got settled, Jake let his eyes linger on Zyanya. Even in a comfortable state she looked beautiful. Her hair was straight and she had on a white cotton dress. Her bunny slipper covered feet rested on the coffee table and she hugged a small throw pillow that was shaped like a bucket of popcorn. Taking advantage of the closeness, he moved over more so their arms were touching. He couldn't help the grin that spread across his face when she leaned into him. Zee didn't know it yet, but she was his.

When the movie began, it became abundantly clear that their group were a bunch of talkers. The girls commented on the clothes and how dreamy Keanu was. Jake now loathed the guy and vowed to never watch another one of his movies again. The men mostly would make remarks on the CGI and the cool moves. The worst of them all though, was Paul... his commentary went on for the whole movie.

"Seriously, who the hell just accepts pills from a guy you don't know. Drugs are bad mkay."

"If this was Star Wars, Morpheus would be Yoda... Battery you are."

"Cypher has the right idea... I would want my ass back in the Matrix too."

"Oh, come on... she loves him because the Oracle said she would. What a bunch of bull. She's known him for like two minutes and they haven't made out once. Yet... they pull some sleeping beauty crap and he's all... I will now be bad ass for you. Game on."

Movie night got a bit more lively after Paul made one last comment.

"You know..." Paul rubbed his chin. "I bet I could pull some kung fu moves in wolf form."

"No way." Embry shook his head. "We are not that flexible on all fours."

Paul gave him an evil grin. "Challenge accepted."

Before anyone could stop him, Paul ran to the far corner of the room. With a collective yell from the group, he ignored them and phased. Sadly, he didn't take in the dimensions of his position to how big he was in wolf form and a lamp went flying across the room.

"Dammit." Zee stood. "That was a new lamp, Paul!"

Zyanya's anger dissipated once she looked at the big wolf in her living room standing on his hind legs attempting to look like the karate kid. It was ridiculously funny and the room of people collectively lost it. They were so loud, Jake questioned if the people in Forks could hear them laughing.

When the noise finally died down, Emily ran upstairs to grab Paul some new clothes since his previous ones were now in shreds. While the group turned their heads, the wolf phased back and changed. Paul sat and continued to banter with Embry over his success. The second sequel was put into the Blu-ray causing a few of the room's occupants to grumble. It looked like Sam and Jared were on the 'no more Keanu movies' train too.

The group lounged back into their original seats and began to watch the action movie play on the widescreen TV. This time around was much more quieter then the first. As Jake watched, he felt his lids getting heavier. All of his patrolling was obviously getting the better of him.

Jake had awoken to a dark living room. He was able to make out the shapes of the furniture by the lighted screen of the static television. Feeling warmth surrounding him, it was then he detected that he was not alone. Zyanya lay sleeping in his arms... it would seem they were the only two left. Pulling her closer, he let his cheek sweep across her forehead and breathed in the scent of her hair. When she began to stir, he frowned at knowing he would have to release her. He watched as her eyelashes fluttered and she gently pulled back to look at him.

"I'm sorry," She whispered. "I must have fallen asleep on you."

Jake took his fingers and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "It's okay... I didn't mind."

Zee noticed that his other hand still rested on her back. When Jake didn't remove it she peeked up at him through her thick lashes. "Jake..." She breathed out slowly. "I... well, there has been something I wanted to tell you, but I really shouldn't. I know you can only ever see me as a friend... I mean, I know you imprinted on Bella..." She stopped herself and shook her head downward.

Jake wanted nothing more then for her to continue. He took his hand and placed it under her chin making her focus on only him. "Tell me."

"If I had it my way, we would be more that friends." She swallowed and let her vulnerability show. "I really like you and I can't help it."

Feeling the joy and excitement flow through him, Jake smiled widely at the girl in his arms. "I didn't imprint on Bella." He revealed and watched her carefully. "And I have strong feelings for you too... in fact..."

"Jake... Jake!"

Jacob was jostled upright. Blinking rapidly he stared at Embry before looking around confused. He saw Emily cleaning up the snacks left on the coffee table while Sam stood stretching. Off towards the kitchen, Paul was following Jared and Kim out the front door. Lastly, he glanced to his side and saw Zee curled into a ball sleeping on the couch. Rubbing his eyes, he was saddened by the fact he was only dreaming.

"You awake man?" Embry pressed. "You look pretty out of it."

"Yeah." Jake nodded. "Just need a minute."

Embry pointed to Zee. "She clonked out halfway through the movie. I'm not sure if I should wake her, I have to get home though. My mom's been on my case."

"Go... I'll take care of her," he insisted. "No point on making things harder for yourself."

Embry blew out a long breath and gave him a grateful look before turning to leave. "Thanks, see ya tomorrow."

Once Embry was out the door, Jake bent down over his imprint. He ignored the other couple in the room and softly wrapped his arms around Zyanya. Lifting her up gently bridal style, she shifted easily into his embrace and tucked her head into the corner of his neck. With his back to Sam and Emily, he sighed and closed his eyes. He relished the contact of their bodies touching... even if it was only because she asleep. He tightened his grip and carried Zee to her bedroom. Once inside, he laid her down as gracefully as he was able to. Jake pulled the covers over her and smiled how her hair made a halo over the pillow.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, he watched her sleep. A conflicted thought popped into his mind and he debated on it. Giving in, he leaned down and his breath hitched. A stolen kiss is all he wanted at this moment. The temptation was to much to ignore. Closing his eyes, he followed through and brushed his lips across hers. Only taking a moment to enjoy her sweet scent and the softness of her lips, he pulled back and ran a finger down her cheek.

"Soon," he whispered.

Standing, he turned, walked out of her room, and closed the door behind him.

How is this Bella situation going to screw things up for Jake? Fav/Follow/Review! :D