Seth danced more than walked back toward home. He hadn't been lying when he'd told Harry he had to be home for dinner. Thursday was the only day of the week his mom was home for dinner time and she insisted they spend it together. As Seth walked thoughts of Harry danced through his mind. He could still taste him on his lips and just the thought of holding him in his arms made Seth's heart hammer with excitement. Harry was his now, he was sure of it. Nothing would come between them now.
Seth was humming as he pushed open his front door but the sight that greeted him caused his steps to falter. His livingroom was not only occupied by his mother, but Leah and her husband along with Quil and Embry. The boys all waved at him and as if on cue Jacob stepped out of the kitchen carrying a bowl of chips and closely followed by Seth's mother.
"Oh darling you're home!" Sue exclaimed happily as she rushed over to embrace her son. Seth returned the hug but his eyes continued to wander over the gathered wolves.
"Yeah what's going on mom?" He asked her though there was a twisting in his gut that told him he already knew the answer. Sue shrugged.
"You tell me Seth, Jake called and told me you had something to tell us all and that it would be better to tell the whole pack at once. So I called Leah and Jake got everyone else together." his suspicions confirmed Seth could think of no reply outside of a winded 'oh'.
It's not that Seth hadn't wanted to tell his family about the imprint, in fact he'd been looking forward to telling his mom tonight. Just her, alone not the whole pack. He wasn't sure how the rest of his pack mates would take the news. He'd never once let slip even a hint that he may be less than interested in girls. He'd guarded his thoughts like a prison guard guards inmates any time they'd shifted and he was pretty sure this was going to completely blind side them. He didn't expect them to have an issue with it. . not really. . .hopefully.
"Woah Seth," Quil exclaimed watching his face "You're looking a little like you might want to puke. What's going on?"
"I. . ahh. . nothing's wrong." Seth told them as he moved further into his home closing the door behind him and leaning against it.
"Best to just come out with it." Jake said coming over to clap him on the shoulder. "Then we can all go eat."
"Wait-we can't eat until he tells us?" Embry demanded in horror before turning pleading eyes onto Seth. "Just tell us!"
"Right okay," Seth agreed squaring his shoulders and facing the group. "I er. . .What I mean is." He paused taking a deep cleansing breath before continuing on. "I imprinted-" Before Seth could continue he was cut off by the cheers and congratulations of his fellow wolves. Seth couldn't help but beam at them letting how happy he really was show through at least until Quil broke out with-
"So who's the lucky lady?"
Seth blushed, quietly thanking whomever had blessed him with dark enough skin that it wouldn't be too obvious. Beside him Jake snorted obviously enjoying being the only person 'in the know.' It was Seth's mother who finally broke through the speculation. She moved across the room and pulled him into a warm hug before pulling back and gracing him with a warm smile.
"It's Harry isn't it?" She asked softly and Seth gaped at her with wide eyes.
"How. . .?"
"Some things a mother just knows." Sue replied before moving to her tip toes and brushing a gentle kiss on her son's cheek. "I'm very happy for both of you."
"Harry huh?" Quil asked "That's a weird name for a girl."
This time Jake made no attempt to smother his laughter.
"It would be." He volunteered and Seth glared at him over on the sofa Leah's eyes went wide.
"I knew it!" She declared before turning to her husband Jeremiah with a smirk "You owe me twenty bucks."
"You were betting on my sexuality?" Seth demanded as Jeremiah opened his wallet and passed his wife a twenty. His brother in law just shrugged.
Blaise Zabini was not hiding. He was just taking an opportunity to really experience the muggle based amenities his room had to offer. The fact that Hermione Granger was here, possibly sleeping just next door had no influence whatsoever on his decision. Besides this muggle vision box was quite nice. The tiny people inside were always very friendly and tended to burst into song, not to mention all the strange animals not found in the magical world.
A knock pulled Blaise from his bed and after peering through and seeing Harry on the other side he swung the door open. Harry looked a bit distracted as he entered Blaise's room and his face was flushed.
"Hey, I was just wondering where you'd disappeared to," Harry paused as his eyes settled onto the vision box "Are you watching Sesame Street?"
Blaise nodded.
"Yes, it's been going all day but they still haven't told me how to get there." Harry stared at him for a long moment before nodding slowly.
"Right. . .you know this is a kids show right?"
"Ah that explains all the letters and numbers I had wondered if muggles just needed to be reminded of such things."
"Uh huh okay. . .so you've spent the whole day in here, watching Sesame Street?" Harry asked giving him a strange look and Blaise nodded.
"Well I just came to see if you wanted to come with Hermione and I to get dinner at the diner."
Blaise had to change his clothes. . .twice which meant Harry and Hermione were waiting for him in the lobby when he was finally ready to go. Hermione was wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans, Blaine thought it was absolutely shameful that she should look so pretty like that. She greeted him with a hug which was. . .unexpected. He froze as her arms looped around him and he was smothered in that distinctive scent of perfume and old books Hermione always carried with her. His stiffness was noted if the way Hermione quickly pulled away and Harry glared at him was any indication.
Blaise thought about apologizing but couldn't think of a decent excuse so instead he just shrugged and followed the other two quietly out the door. Blaise had first felt a pull toward Hermione when he returned for sixth year. Talk about an inappropriate crush, while all the other Slytherin's were arguing blood supremacy and the whispering about the dark lord in awed tones Blaise was obsessing over a muggle born Gryffindor. When the time came he'd had no real choice but to throw his lot in with the 'good guys'. He couldn't very well claim to hate muggle borns when he was more or less in love with one of them could he?
Not that Hermione had any idea of course. Blaise had been trying to get to know her better by seeming excited about her whole encyclopedia idea but had ended up stuck with Potter instead. He'd told her he wanted to better understand the mating habits of different creatures because of what happened with his mother's husbands. It was sort of true, but only because his mother insisted on mating to wealthy men regardless of her instincts. Incubi instincts lead them to the most ideal partner who would not stray from the relationship. His mother instead married men with wealth and hoped for the best. So far the best had not happened as her trail of dead, cheating husbands attested.
Blaise knew his instincts were leading him to Hermione Granger but that didn't mean he planned to make a move. Not yet possibly not ever, he didn't know if the brilliant girl would ever give him even a thought. He doubted it, compared to her brilliant mind he didn't have much to offer.
Seth was waiting for Harry when he headed down for breakfast the following morning. Harry had stayed up late the night before talking with Hermione about everything he'd learned so far. He'd still got up at the usual time however, rather than risk the breakfast Mrs. Clearwater provided for them. Seth was waiting in the lobby and Harry couldn't keep from grinning when he saw him waiting there. He picked up his pace leaving Hermione behind on the stairs as he rushed to meet the larger man. Just before he reached him Harry hesitated and only just stopped himself from throwing his arms around Seth. Instead he smiled up at him feeling a bit nervous after the revelations of the day before.
"Hi," Seth exclaimed sounding excited and nervous at the same time and making Harry smile more.
"Good morning," Harry greeted back and in a bout of Gryffindor courage he darted forward and brushed his lips against Seth's. Seth beamed at him and his whole body seemed to swell with happiness.
"I was wondering if you're doing anything today." Seth told him.
"Well, I'm supposed to take Hermione to meet the Cullen's. . ." he trailed off and sent a pleading look to Hermione who smiled in understanding.
"Don't be silly Harry, I'm sure Blaise won't mind accompanying me." She told him quickly and Harry beamed at her.
"Great!" Seth exclaimed happily "I was hoping you'd spend the day with me, I mean if you want to?"
Harry grinned at the way Seth's voice became a question almost as an after thought. His dark eyes had suddenly become anxious as though it had only just occurred to him that Harry might not want to. It was a silly thought since the idea of a whole day together already had Harry's heart pumping in anticipate.
"I'd love to." He assured the wolf whose grin got even wider at the reassurance "But after I eat okay?"
"Of course," Seth agreed following Harry into the breakfast room of the hotel. Once inside Harry was shocked to see an even larger than usual breakfast laid out. Sue Clearwater stood at the table arranging french toast, fruit, eggs, bacon and sausage along with toast and jam. When they entered Mrs. Clearwater smiled warmly at him and much to Harry's surprise crossed the room and hugged him tightly.
"Welcome to the family Harry," she told him warmly before placing a kiss on his forehead. Harry could only mumbled a surprised 'thank you' before she left the room. His eyes followed her and his mouth stayed hung open in shock until Seth broke the silence.
"Sorry about that, she was pretty excited to hear about the imprint when I told her last night."
"It's okay," Harry told him softly "Just took me by surprise is all. I don't have much experience with mothers. My friend Ron's mum is a bit like yours but it still startles me sometimes."
Seth nodded his understanding as Harry and Hermione both moved to begin dishing up their breakfasts. Seth, Harry noted, began to dish up a plate as well. Once they were all settled and eating Seth glanced up at him with a question clear in his eyes.
"What?" Harry asked after a moment where the other man didn't speak.
"I just. . .it's probably a rude question but you mentioned you didn't have much experience with mothers. . ." Seth trailed off and for a moment Harry was confused before remembering that Seth knew nothing of the magical world and by extension nothing about Harry's history. He cleared his throat awkwardly and was surprised to find Hermione's hand on his knee giving it a gentle squeeze. He glanced up at her and she smiled kindly at him, flashing her a smile back he turned to Seth.
"Yeah, I guess we haven't really got to know each other yet. I'm an orphan there's like a whole dramatic backstory but the long and short of it is they died when I was a baby and I ended up with some not very nice relatives. Left the day I turned seventeen and never looked back." Harry told him concisely not really wanting to rehash his entire life story when they were supposed to be having a nice day together. Seth seemed to understand his mood however. Reaching out the larger boy squeezed his hand gently.
"I'm sorry," Seth told him sincerely "But you're part of my family now and part of the pack."
It was an odd thought considering Harry hadn't even met the pack yet but somehow it still made him smile. Though that may have just been the warmth from Seth's hand on his.
After they finished their breakfast Harry stood and followed Seth out of the hotel.
"I brought my truck but I thought we'd walk if you don't mind." Seth told him Harry smiled and nodded.
"That sounds nice."
Seth's heart was racing as he led Harry down the street toward La Push. Harry kept pace with him surprisingly well considering his shorter legs and as they walked they seemed to drift closer together. Soon the were walking so close their hands and arms would occasionally brush every touch sending Seth's heart rate through the roof. He found himself considering the risks of just grabbing Harry's hand. There weren't many other than Harry possibly refusing to hold hands with him. Another brush of skin later had Seth steeling himself as he reached slightly down and capturing the smaller fingers in his own.
Harry's hand was warm and so much smaller than Seth's own he felt like he was holding a china figurine in hand. He made sure to hold him gently not wanting to hurt the much smaller man. Harry made no move to pull away instead glancing over at him with a warm smile, they continued to walk in silence for awhile before Harry began to speak.
"So I guess we don't know each other much." Harry started before sending him a wry smile "So why don't you tell me all about you?"
Seth grinned down at his imprint and hurried to oblige. As they walked together Seth told Harry all about his family, his job and about how he came to be so close with the Cullens. Harry listened well and continued prompting him for more information as well. Soon Harry began to volunteer more about himself and his life before coming to Forks. The time seemed to fly and before Seth knew it they were already at the road that branched off to La Push. Seth stopped and grinned at Harry.
"I don't actually want to go to the rez." He informed him "I was actually hoping to cut through the woods maybe hike a bit. I could even show you my wolf again if you'd like."
"That almost sounds like some sort of kinky innuendo." Harry responded with a smirk making Seth flush. "How about this since you already showed me yours I'll show you mine."
Before Seth could ask Harry to elaborate the smaller boy darted off the road and into the woods. With a laugh Seth chased after him, Harry continued to run until Seth could no longer see the road. When they were finally deep enough Harry paused and turned to ensure Seth was watching. Seth grinned at him and continued to run to catch up with the surprisingly speedy man. Just as he reached the clearing where Harry was waiting Harry winked at him and. . .changed. His body began to shrink and fur began to sprout from his visible skin. Seth could only watch in shock his brain taking far too long to register what he was seeing.
The entire transformation only took about two minutes but it took Seth an additional five for his brain to catch up with his mind. Where Harry had been standing moments before was a small wolf. He was much smaller than Seth's wolf form and while Seth couldn't be sure he was willing to bet he was even smaller than an average wolf. His body was covered in fluffy white fur which looked soft to the touch. The only color on him was a patch of black fur on his forehead which looked suspiciously similar to the scar Seth had seen on Harry's own forehead and his vibrant green eyes. If Seth hadn't recognized them as Harry's eyes he wasn't sure he would have believed the wolf was his imprint at all. As it was Seth fell to his knees and held out a hand his mouth open in awe as Harry moved forward to nuzzle his head against Seth's open palm.
"You're a wolf," Seth whispered in awe as he rubbed the fur behind Harry's ears. Harry just nodded and licked his palm before bowing it's head. Seth understood the gesture at once and hurried behind a tree to transform.
Seth was disappointed to realize Harry couldn't hear his thoughts but he was pretty sure they'd be able to find a work around. After all Harry was magical, mind reading shouldn't be too hard for him. In the mean time though Seth was able to communicate via gestures and the noises normal wolves used. They played together in the forest for hours. Eventually Seth grew hungry and without giving it much thought Seth chased down a deer and offered it to his mate. They'd both been transformed so long neither thought to be concerned about eating the raw meat instead Harry tore into the animal as Seth watched.
Only after Harry ate did Seth did into the animal before they wandered off together to find a stream. Once in the water they began again to play, pouncing and biting at one another. They chased down various rabbits and other small forest rodents just for the joy of it, often releasing them once they were captured. It seemed like no time at all before Seth saw the sun setting and the smell of nighttime overwhelmed his wolf. As if on cue Harry turned and began moving back toward where Seth knew the road was. With a growl Seth chased after him and they raced all the way to the clearing.
Once they reached it Harry transformed back collapsing on the ground and laughing breathlessly. Seth did the same and they lay together for several long relaxed minutes before finally speaking.
"I think this is the most fun I've had. . .ever." Harry told him before rolling over and kissing him. Seth caught him there and pulled him onto his chest to kiss him properly. Harry's breath caught as Seth ran his tongue along the seam of his lips and his mouth fell open. Seth groaned as he began to kiss Harry deeply exploring his mouth with his tongue. Harry shivered and released a soft moan when Seth pulled him closer. One of Harry's hands was held tightly by Seth but the other trailed across his skin leaving blazing trails of sensation behind. They kissed for several moments before they had to breath.
Harry used the hand on his chest to push himself up to look down at Seth. He was flushed and his eyes were glazed with passion Seth was about to kiss him again when Harry glanced down and suddenly turned very red.
"What?" He asked curiously and Harry if possibly blushed redder.
"Are you umm. . .naked?" Harry squeaked as he said it and Seth was about to protest before the realization crashed over him. He'd just transformed as Harry had but unlike Harry, who apparently kept his clothes, Seth's jeans remained tied around his ankle. He flushed quickly scrambling backward away from Harry and trying to hide the very obvious proof of how much he'd enjoy their impromptu make out session.
"Oh my god! I'm so sorry!" Seth exclaimed before hurrying to put on his pants. Unfortunately his nerves made him clumsy and he tripped over a log placing him face down on the forest floor. The only benefit of this was that the pain was enough to effectively destroy the erection that had been standing proudly until then and would have made putting his jeans on pretty uncomfortable.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked in concern and Seth could hear him moving to come help. Seth quickly wiggled into his jeans and popped up just as Harry approached.
"Yeah fine," Seth assured him before sending him an apologetic smile "Just think one day we can look back at this and laugh."
"Are you kidding? I'm gonna be looking back and laughing in about an hour when I tell Hermione." Harry replied and Seth couldn't help but kiss him again.
Author's note: So. . .did you love it? I hope so. I wanted say you guys I looked today and I've got almost 250 reviews! Almost. . . It's actually at 245 as of this moment but just consider that a challenge. Anyway my point is THANK YOU! I know I've not been as devoted to updates lately so I really appreciate all the continued support for this story and hope you like it so far.
Also. . .I'm blonde now I don't expect it to affect my writing but I'm pretty excited about it so I thought I'd bring it up.
Harry's an Arctic wolf BTW
PLEASE REVIEW!