AN: I do not own Twilight.

Please let me know what you think. If you don't want to leave a review just type a letter so I know you've been here. Also, I'm in need of Beta for future chapters.

Chapter 7: A walk on the shore.

The next day, I pondered how to tell Katie about the whole imprinting thing while we watched crazy things on YouTube or Netflix. After a brunch of pancakes and bacon, we went on a walk. I really wish there were a guidebook on how to tell your girlfriend, "I'm a wolf. And we are mated for life."

"At least it is a good day for a walk," said Katie

"Yes," I reply, "and it is perfect weather. It isn't too hot, it isn't too cold, and it isn't raining."

"Mark your calendars! It is the one perfect day of the year in Forks."

"Yes, now let's see if the next 363 days can live up to it." Said Seth

"Is that a totem pole?" asked Katie, pointing to a large totem pole that stood next to an inlet where a stream met the sea. We turned and followed the stream for a bit.

"Yes," said Seth, "It is. You can see the animal symbols of the tribe. See the wolf on top."

"What is it with your family and wolves?" asked Katie. "There are wolves in every room. I'm about ninety-nine percent sure that the dog in the portrait of your grandfather is a wolf. They are everywhere."

"They are the symbol of our tribe- our spirit animal. Long ago, one of the chiefs was gifted the gift of transforming into a wolf. He didn't age while in wolf form. He passed it on through generations. In times of trouble, members of the tribe will transform to protect the pack from danger. It is said that when the tribe is under threat, that members will transform. Wolves are fun."

"I've never heard them described at fun before." Said Katie, "but I guess it depends on your perspective. And they are cool. I certainly wouldn't mess with a wolf."

"There is more to it than that." I reply. I led Katie further up the stream. I stopped at a large rock formation.

"Follow me," I said, "but be careful. Once you get over the first rock, it is easy." I held my hand out to help her up, but she didn't take it. She just climbed up on her own.

"This is my favorite spot. It's the perfect place to fish." I said

"It is beautiful. You can see the ocean and the stream. And it is such a beautiful day. You can see miles out there," she said. She turned and smiled. For a second, I wanted time to stop. This moment was perfect, and I want to make sure it stays in my mind forever. Katie's beauty complements the beauty of the sea and the rocks.

"What's that look for?" asked Katie

"Just taking a mental picture of this day and this view." I said. I'm not about to tell her that she is what is making this moment awesome or that this is a moment I want to remember.

"Hey, come over here," I said. I got down on the rock and sat on the ledge. "look down"

"Wow," said Katie. The water is so clear here. You can see the minnows."

"I'll have to bring you up here when the salmon run. It is amazing to see them swim upstream."

"Don't they return to the stream where they are born?"

"Yes," I said, "it's pretty amazing how they know exactly where to go. Memories are funny- they can last a long time. I mean, you don't think of fish having memories, but they do. And so, does my tribe."

"Yes, tell me about your tribe and these gifts."

"I'll tell you what I can. I can't tell you all of it. But if things go well, I'll tell all. And you must promise you won't tell anyone."

She nodded her head and reached over to squeeze my hand.

"I've really gotten to know you and like you over the last few weeks. But something strange has happened this week and I just want to make sure we are on the same page here."

"I like you, too. And yes, I think I'm on the same page," said Katie as she took my hand, "but none of this is secret."

"So, something happened yesterday when you fainted. There was a moment when you came to, and I saw you and there was this connection. It was like a bolt from the blue,"

"Yes, I do remember you having a strange and wonderful expression right after I came to. I just thought it was concern or that you were scared."

"It wasn't. Well, I was definitely concerned, but it is more than that. This connection isn't ordinary. This connection it is serious. I know I'm not explaining this well but bear with me. Katie, we imprinted. We are now an imprinted pair and our lives will be intertwined. Jacob described it best- it is kind of like gravity. You will do anything, be anything that the other person needs. If you need me to catch you, I will. If you need a friend, I will be there. If you need a protector. Or even a lover, I will be there. No matter what happens, our lives will be intertwined, and nothing can break it. It's more powerful than you can imagine. It's permanent. No matter what we do or where we go, our lives will be connected. It is the strongest bond that two people can have. And well, we have it."

"Well, I guess it is a good thing that I like you," said Katie. "I mean, I have had a huge crush on you since school started and you've been such a good friend. I'm glad you like me back. I'm still not quite sure about this imprinting thing. Does it happen to everyone in the tribe"?

"Not everyone, just certain members. (I couldn't tell her it only happens to those of us who turn into wolves.) It is the strongest bond that two people can possibly have. It's stronger than bonds of friendship, love of family, even stronger than a lot of romantic relationships. It only happens once in a lifetime. It is wonderful, but also dangerous."

"How is it dangerous?" she asked

"Imprinting is permanent. It is unbreakable. A bond that strong can be an asset. But it can also be dangerous. Imagine if something happened and a love that strong turned to hate. It's awful."

"So, it would be obsessive love on steroids?" said Katie

"Yes." I said

"So yesterday you tried to push the doctor away when he was checking my blood pressure. Was that because we imprinted?"

"Yes, I didn't want anyone else to touch you. This is how the bond can be dangerous."

"So, we are bonded. We're only sixteen. I love you. I hope this is true and our love remains strong. It would be cool to be one of those couples who are high school sweethearts and stay together. But that doesn't happen too often. What if you like someone else?"

"I won't. You are it. This is what it is like for members of the tribe. At least we are sixteen."

"You keep mentioning the tribe. Is all there some problem because I'm not a member of the tribe?"

"Yes, you're the first totally outside the tribe."

"And this is a problem"

"Yes, sort of. There is one other thing that goes along with the imprinting- and it is the secret I can't tell right now."

"Well, when can you tell me? Is there some sort of test for people outside the tribe? If this bond is as strong as you say it is, there shouldn't be any secrets between us. Is there a test or interview to make sure I can handle it?

"I don't know, but I do know that Sam and Jacob will probably want to talk to you. I doubt they will make you do the 12 labors of Hercules, though."

"Even if they do, I'm sure I could do them. You'd just have to help. I've got a crazy feeling that I've signed myself up for something crazy, but maybe wonderful."

"Yes," I said, "You absolutely did." I slipped my arm around her shoulders and pulled her back so that we lay on the rock. I smiled as we looked up at the sky. Her head rested on my chest. It just felt perfect. At that moment, it didn't matter that Katie fainted or that my tribe was going to put her through some crazy test, just that we were here together.

"You know there is one legend about imprinted couples that I can tell you. They say that imprinted couples can read each other's minds."

"I'm sure we can think of a way to test it out," said Katie, "I'll think of a color and you tell me which one. Then you do the same. I'll go first."

Blue, she thought

"Blue" I said, "Now do me"

"Green"

"Yes, you got it." She said, "but you already know my favorite color. Let's do numbers- I'll think of one between one and twenty. Got it."

"I closed my eyes and concentrated, "fifteen"

"Correct," she said, "Your turn."

Eleven. It is prime number.

"Eleven,"she said, "because it is prime."

"I can't believe it. It actually works," I said excitedly.

"I'm still not a hundred percent sure," she said, "what if you do something quickly, something the other person wouldn't think of. I bet you couldn't see things coming, like this," she said as she threw her arms around me. Then she kissed me.

I kissed her back. At that moment, I knew we were both thinking the same thing-WOW. This has to be the best feeling ever. I couldn't help by try to remember every perfect detail of this moment. This is one of those moments I want to remember forever, one that would come rushing back when I'm old and dying, the memory of a perfect moment. It didn't last long, but it is carved on my mind.

"Wow" she said.

"Wow is right!"

"Did you know I was going to do that?" she asked

"No, but I'm awfully glad you did." I said

"Hi Seth," said voice, "Isn't it a beautiful day."

I sat up. I couldn't believe that I hadn't heard him approach. Sam is tall, but he can be extra quiet. I wonder if he heard me talking to Katie. Did he think I'd told her everything?

"Yes, it is," said Katie, "I had a good time at the bonfire last night."

"Good," he replied, "Seth I have some work for you. Can you come by my house later?"

"Sure."

After he left, Katie and I walked back to the house hand in hand.