Chapter 20 - Imprint (Revised)

"So that was Carlisle," I said, staring at the place where the vampire had vanished into the woods.

"That's Carlisle," said Sam nodding, "Not what you were expecting?"

"No, not quite," I replied, "What's with his eyes."

"You mean why are they not red?" asked Sam.

I nodded.

"According to him it's the result of not drinking human blood," said Sam, "The rest of his clan also have golden eyes."

"Interesting," I said, thinking I had a lot to learn still about vampires and werewolves alike.

Sam yawned, "Let's get a move on. The sooner we finish our tour the sooner I can sleep."

We undressed, tying our clothes to our legs, and phased. We walked the rest of the perimeter, coming out next to Jacob's garage.

We heard footfalls to our left and Jacob came trotting up to us.

"How did it go with Carlisle," he asked, brushing his shoulder against mine. The gentle touch sent shivers down my spine.

"It was interesting, to say the least," I said, looking up at him.

"I'm going to go get some sleep," Sam said with a yawn before Jacob could reply, "You two good with being out here for a while?"

"Sure but, what do I do exactly?" I asked, not sure if there was a procedure to follow for patrolling.

"You start here, your back to the Cullen's land and facing the beach. Weave up and down between the edge of the woods here to the edge where the preserve starts. You'll eventually cross paths with Jacob in the center. And then just keep going till you hit the beach and turn around. Rinse and repeat," said Sam.

"Sounds simple enough," I said.

"It is," said Jacob.

"I'll send Jared and Leah or Seth to relieve you in a few hours," said Sam, turning and walking towards his house.

"Sounds good, see you later," I said.

"I'll dash over to the other side and let you know when I'm there," said Jacob, and he took off.

A minute later I heard him say, "Alright, ready when you are."

"Let's go," I said and turned to head back along the edge of the stream towards the far end of the pack's land.

"So, why was meeting Carlisle interesting," asked Jacob.

"He was calm, eloquent, polite. Much different from the vampire that came tearing through here yesterday," I said, "I guess I was expecting more hostility."

"No Carlisle is not hostile. Neither is his wife. But the rest of his "kids", as he calls them, are warier of us," said Jacob, "Which isn't a bad thing. It means they haven't forgotten that we are a threat to their very existence."

I considered this for a moment. "His kids, as you called them, I'd assume they are younger than Carlisle?"

"Right. And therefore a lot newer to his form of veganism," said Jacob.

"Ah, I see," I said, "So, in essence, Carlisle is the linchpin. He's the reason the peace between the wolves and his clan exists."

"Precisely," said Jacob, "Without him, I doubt most of his clan would live the way they do."

"Why do they stay, then?" I asked. It seemed to me if they truly didn't enjoy living off of animals to remain a member of Carlisle's group, they could leave.

"Out of loyalty. I don't know a lot about each member of his clan, but Carlisle as you know is a doctor. At one time or another, they were all patients of his who were facing an untimely death and he chose to turn them into vampires rather than let them die," said Jacob.

"I can't decide if that's really sweet or really fucked up," I said.

"Most would consider it a fate worse than death," said Jacob simply.

We had made it to the dead center of woods and I could see his large form ahead of me.

"I'd certainly take being a werewolf over being a vampire any day," I said.

I was close enough to Jacob now to see him give me a wolfish grin.

"Being a werewolf is a lot more fun," he said and swatted me lightly with his tail as he walked by.

If I had been in human form I would have been blushing. He was being rather bold, almost downright flirty with me. Not that I'm complaining, I thought to myself, and then prayed to God he hadn't heard that.

The sun was setting, and we had crisscrossed about a dozen before we could hear the others coming to relieve us.

"Super is on at Emily's," said Jared as he trotted up to me.

My stomach growled involuntarily and it suddenly occurred to me that we had patrolled straight through lunch.

"Thank god, I'm starving," I said.

I heard Seth meet up with Jacob as I began walking from the stream end of the woods towards the house.

"Race you," I heard Jacob say.

I didn't think twice, I just took off.

I could see Emily's house in front of me when suddenly I was aware that I wasn't alone.

Jacob had run past the house and circled back.

I growled at him. Either he knew he was a lot closer to Emily's when he started or he was much faster than me, and was rubbing it in.

We came to a stop right in front of the house and phased.

"Did you just growl at me," he asked in mock surprise.

"That's what you get for being a show-off," I said, pulling on my clothes.

He laughed, "So should I let you win next time?"

I glared at him, "No cause next time I'll wipe the floor with you."

He laughed as he followed me into the house.

Emily, Sam, Leah, Paul, and Emma were all already seated at the kitchen table when we entered. We quickly grabbed plates and joined them. Emma looked a lot better than she had when last I saw her. According to her, her fever had broken around mid-day. She had demanded a change of scenery after having been in Burdette's house for nearly 24 hours, so Paul had carried her over. She was still a bit paler than usual but she seemed chipper enough. Paul, on the other hand, looked grumpy. He wouldn't leave Emma's side. He would hardly let her move, and when she made to move with the rest of us over to the couches for coffee and tea she swatted him away.

"I'm fine Paul. It's less than 20 feet not a marathon at a dead sprint," she said.

"I know, I just don't want you to hurt yourself," he said, sounding irritated.

She plopped down on the couch across from Jacob and me. Paul took the seat next to her, putting an arm around her shoulders. She made a huffing sound but didn't pull away. It was clear that, despite how rough around the edges Paul could be, he genuinely loved Emma. As we filled each other in on our day I caught him gently rubbing her shoulder with his thumb, and kissing her on the head when he thought no one was looking.

"Jared and Seth are out for the night," said Sam stretching, "Any volunteers for the morning shift."

Emma raised her hand but Paul grabbed it and pulled it back down.

"No," he said firmly.

"I have to agree with Paul on this one Em, you could use another day," said Sam.

She grimaced at both of them, "Fine."

"I'll take the morning shift," I said.

"Me too," said Leah.

"Great," said Sam and stood up, "With that said, get out of my house, I want to go to bed."

We all laughed and got up, saying our goodnights to everyone before exiting the house.

Jacob and I walked for a moment in silence as the rest of the pack split off, walking towards their respective homes. Emma was very begrudgingly allowing Paul to carry her.

"Arianna," said Jacob, finally breaking the silence.

"What's up," I replied.

"How much do you know about imprinting?" Jacob asked.

I thought for a moment, "Well, I know it happens," I said with a small laugh but when I saw the serious look on his face I added, "I know it's sorta like love-at-first-sight. I know it's an intense emotional bond between two werewolves. And I know it makes the guys pretty possessive."

Jacob nodded, "It's all of those things and more."

"What's the 'more'?" I asked as he held the front door open for me and we walked inside. If this was our topic of conversation for the night I figured I should learn as much as I could.

"Well, for starters the relationship doesn't have to start off intense. Like any relationship it will grow," he said, flipping on the living room light, "To facilitate that, the male will become whatever it is his mate needs. He will meld to fit her."

"As it should be," I said with a teasing smile as I flopped down on the couch.

He grinned, "Right." He sat down on the opposite end of the couch, facing me.

"Anything else," I asked, getting the sense that he had opened this line of conversation for a reason.

"It's a very sacred bond. The bond between mates is more binding than a human marriage," he said, "As we understand it, the bond between mates is so strong because their souls are linked before they are even born."

"That's sorta romantic," I said.

"You think so?" he asked.

"Yeah I mean, isn't that what everyone wants?" I said, "To meet someone and know they are your soulmate. And in the case of werewolves, unlike humans, it's not a guessing game, it's instinctual."

Jacob smiled, "I'm glad that's how you see it."

"Oh?" I said, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Well," he said, shifting uncomfortably under my stare, "I brought it up because I want to talk to you about something."

"Alright…" I said. He seemed nervous and it was such an un-Jacob-like demeanor that I found myself growing anxious.

He hesitated slightly, taking a breath before saying, "I've imprinted."

My heart sunk.

"You have," I said, as half a question and half a statement.

"Yes, I have," he replied, watching me carefully.

My thoughts swirled. Who had he imprinted on? Would she be moving in here? Would I have to move out?

Jacob's voice brought me out of my head.

"Arianna," he said, concerned by my silence.

"Sorry, I'm just a little surprised is all. I'm happy for you though," I said, "She's a lucky girl."

"Thank you," he said, looking slightly puzzled.

"Who uh, you know what, nevermind," I said, as I became aware of a mounting pain in my chest, "I can move my things out in the morning." I was on the verge of tears and frustrated with myself for being so out of control of my own emotions. Why was I acting so childishly?

"Woah back up," said Jacob, sitting bolt upright and moving closer to me, "You aren't moving out."

"No offense Jacob, but I don't want to be the third wheel to a newly mated couple if their bond is as intense as you've described," I said. To have a front-row seat to Jacob making another girl breakfast; holding another girl when she was upset; doting on her with that signature twinkle in his eye. The very idea made the pain in my chest sharper.

"You misunderstand," he said, a pained look in his eyes, "That's my fault, I'm doing this all wrong."

I was completely confused. What part was I misunderstanding? Why didn't he want me to move out if he had just found his mate?

He ran a hand through his hair. He seemed to collect himself for a moment and then he sat up a little straighter. He looked me in the eyes and held my stare.

"Arianna, I imprinted on you," he said.

"You… I…" I stammered for a moment before taking a steadying breath, "You imprinted on me?"

"Yes," he said, a slight plea in his voice now, "I know it's a lot to take in but I needed you to know. That's what Sam talked to me about earlier. He said my behavior around you tipped him off. I already knew but, he confirmed it."

"Jacob, I… I don't know what to say," I said.

"That's alright," he said reassuringly, "It's overwhelming, I understand."

"I just… I," I said, trying to sift through the hundred thoughts and emotions all vying for my attention at once. I stood up and began pacing.

"Don't know where to begin?" he asked. I nodded.

"Anywhere," he said, turning in his seat, "It doesn't have to make sense or be in any kind of order, just, lay it out for me." I looked at him. He looked agitated as if he couldn't decide if he should stand in front of the door to keep me from running through it or stay where he was.

"We hardly know each other," I began and then the words just kept on tumbling out of my mouth as I paced.

"I mean I don't even know your last name, do I? I mean, we already live together. And you've been so kind to me. I don't want you to think I'm mad or that I don't like you. But how do we know if I've imprinted back? Or does that matter, as long as one of us imprinted it's a done deal? I'm really not mad. I'm oddly relieved. And I don't want you to think I don't find you attractive, I do-," I babbled, only shutting my mouth and stopping mid-pace when I got to that last part.

Jacob smiled at me softly, seemingly relieved that I hadn't made a run for it after all.

"No, we don't know each other well," he said, "So we'll take it slow. Don't forget that I will be whatever you need me to be. And if right now that means I'm simply a good friend and nothing else, that's a-okay with me. You set the pace, and I will follow you to the ends of the earth."

I met his gaze briefly, blushing, and smiling sheepishly before resuming my pacing.

"Alright, but what about the rest," I asked.

He smiled. I could see the normal, confident Jacob returning.

"Well," he said, going over the list I had thrown at him, "You asked how we would know if you've imprinted." I nodded.

"I think time will tell," he said, "I know that isn't the decisive answer you'd like but, the only person who can really be the judge of that is you. The assumption is, however, that you will eventually if you haven't already. It is a two-way street, so to speak."

I paused, thinking, and then sat back down next to Jacob on the couch.

"What happened when the others imprinted?" I asked.

He rested his arm on the top of the couch and propped his head on his hand as he thought.

"As far as I know, Paul and Emma imprinted around the same time. Whether it was love at first snarky comment or what I'm not sure though," he said, "As for Emily and Sam, Sam definitely imprinted first because Emily is human. She doesn't have the natural instinct to imprint that we have."

"I'm not human but I'm not a natural member of the pack either," I noted.

"Right, so I'm sorry to say there's no comparison to be made. Unless one of the Elders knows of another couple like us from the distant past," he replied.

"Maybe when we tell Burdette she'll know something," I said, more to myself than to him.

"Maybe," smiled Jacob, "Speaking of which. You asked about my last name. My last name is Black."

I looked at him wide-eyed, "Does that mean you're related to Burdette? Why didn't anyone mention that before?!" I exclaimed.

Jacob shrugged, "I guess it never came up. Burdette is my grandmother."

"Why don't you call her grandma, or gran, or nana or something?" I asked.

He shrugged again, "I don't know, I just never have. Even as a kid I remember calling her Burdette, or B when I couldn't pronounce her whole name."

I leaned back slightly on the couch, "That's cute," I said with a smile.

I imagined a baby version of Jacob running around calling for 'B, and her scooping him up in her arms.

"So, are you alright?" he asked tentatively, bringing me back to reality, "With this" motioning his hand between us.

"I'm still sitting here aren't I," I said.

He smiled, "That you are," he said, "Though really you ought to be in bed, Miss Morning Shift."

"True," I said, stretching my arms above my head and standing up.

"Can I ask you something?" I said as I walked around the couch.

"Anything," he replied, getting up to follow me.

"Why don't you act more like Paul?" I asked, pausing at my door and turning to look at him, "More possessive and all up in my space. Isn't that sorta your thing as a male?"

Jacob smiled mischievously, "Jealous?"

I blushed but waited for him to answer.

"Because I don't want to scare you," he said earnestly, "What happened with your ex was traumatic. I don't want to be a trigger for any bad memories associated with him by touching you or being too flirty, so, I've tried to keep my distance."

I stood there astonished by his honesty. That right there explained so much of his behavior around me. No wonder I hadn't seen the whole imprinting thing coming. He was intentionally leashing his instinct to be close to me in deference to my emotional well being.

A resolve hardened in my chest. I would not let Vance or my past hold power over my relationship with Jacob.

I walked over to him, placing my hands on his chest, "Thank you," I said, "Thank you for caring, for being cautious. But I don't want you to hold back." I looked up at him and his eyes locked on mine.

"I'm not scared of you Jacob. And I do not want any outside force to hold sway over us."

He wrapped his arms around my waist cautiously. In response, I brought my hands up to clasp at the back of his neck. He seemed to take comfort in that and leaned his head down, pressing his forehead gently to mine. I closed my eyes. Something about his touch in that moment felt different. It still sent shivers down my spine, but it also filled me with warmth. I was struck with the intense desire to never let him stop holding me but to just stay here reveling in his touch.

"Jacob," I whispered.

"Yes," he whispered back, with a light squeeze of my waist.

"I think I have imprinted," I whispered, opening my eyes and meeting his.

A huge smile spread across his face. He lifted me off my feet and spun me around in a tight hug. Setting me back down on my feet he brought his forehead back to mine.

"Arianna," he said softly, his breath dancing across my cheek, "May I kiss you."

"Yes."