AN: Thank you to everyone that reviewed! I'm glad you guys like the story! You can expect updates every Monday and Thursday as of right now. I'm actually finishing up chapter 4 right now, so there is plenty more story coming!

Chapter Two

The Imprint

I awoke with a gasp, my brow covered in sweat. My eyes adjusted to the darkness right away, but the location confused me. Where was I? With a flash of understanding, the previous night came back to me. I was given the job, and was even allowed the apartment above it. My hazel eyes screwed tight as visions of Emmett flooded in. I had ran, like a coward. After talking to him for only a moment I panicked. A whimper passed through my lips as I brought a hand to massage my chest. Was this pain normal? I had heard stories – the effects of being separated from your imprint. I didn't know it was going to be so sudden and intense. I nearly sobbed as the reality fell upon me. I would not get my pack. How could I confide a wolf to one location? Soon, I would stop phasing to age alongside Emmett. Even if he rejected me, I knew a world without him would be unbearable.

The wolf clawed at my brain, desperate to be near him, to know that he was okay. Knowing that all hope of sleep was lost, I threw my covers off and swung my feet around. I inwardly cursed myself as I allowed my body to lead me downstairs, and out into the woods. Thinking of my scarce wardrobe, I quickly slipped off my nightgown and tucked it under some leaves behind a tree. Closing my eyes, I let the familiar sensation of phasing overthrow me.

Letting out a deep breath through my nose, I opened my eyes to find myself on four familiar, snowy white paws. I let the imprint guide me, pulling me back towards the McCarty estate. It only took minutes to reach their backyard. To my surprise, Emmett sat on the back porch, his broad naked torso practically glowing in the moonlight. I couldn't stop the tiny whine that escaped my muzzle at the sight of him. I fought against the wolf as it tried to run towards him. I was sure that would go well. His porcelain brow furrowed as his large hand lifted to massage his chest, much like I had earlier. Did he feel the pull too? I had only planned to visit, but the wolf had other ideas. Sighing, I collapsed onto the forest floor, content on waiting out the night there.

The portly cook, whose name I learned was Russell, turned out to be an exceedingly kind man. He was patient with me as I attempted to call out the orders in a way he would understand. The locals were understanding too, smiling at me as I fidgeted with the small note pad in my hand. Bridget stopped by in the morning, guiding me through the opening tasks as she rubbed her belly and snacked on some toast. Her husband, Jeffrey, had come to haul her off for a nap around noon, sending me a parting smile.

Like the day before, the customers thinned out as the day went on giving me the chance to catch my breath. It was hectic work, but my pockets jingled pleasantly with money, reminding me that it was most certainly worth it. I had my back to the door when a scent caught my attention – unfamiliar but utterly unmistakable. My spine stiffened as I turned, my eyes hard. The tall Native American male sat on one of the stools, his waist length black hair swaying with the movement. The few locals that remained in the diner watched him with weary eyes over their coffee cup. With a clenched jaw, I walked up to the counter, conscious of the eyes that were on us.

"Can I get you something?" His face gave away nothing as he examined me.

"You're Alexandria Sterling." I licked my lips. So he had come here for me. "Ethan and Raven told me where to find you. I heard you were looking for a pack." His voice was low, but so deep it felt like it reverberated through me.

"Sorry, but you're mistaken." I turned my focus to the salt shakers in front of me. The last thing I needed was a stray wolf near my imprint.

"I've heard about you from several lone wolves. Darren and Alistair were the ones that told me about you." It felt like I got punched in the stomach.

"Look-" I hissed leaning in so no one would hear. "I don't know what you're doing here, but I'm not looking for a pack, and mentioning my brother's isn't exactly going to change my mind."

"I want to join you." He deadpanned, his face just as impassive as when he walked in. Had he heard a word I said? "My name is Chase. My pack was recently killed by a group of leeches, my imprint included." For the first time, his smooth face showed emotion. A pang of panic shot through me as I pictured Emmett dead at the hands of a vampire. I was so consumed by the thought that I didn't really register his pain.

Shaking the horrid image from my head, I met Chase's eyes again. "I'm not looking for a pack."

Standing, he towered over me. If I had to guess, I would say he was around six-six. "I'll come back another time."

I stared narrow-eyed at his retreating back. It was like talking to a wall! I wasn't sure if Ethan or my brother's had encouraged Chase to 'join' me, but as far as I was concerned he could return to them. Before I could dwell too long on the lone wolf, my chest gave way to flames. I nearly doubled over at the relief I didn't know I needed. His scent met me next, sweet and masculine. I forced myself to stand, pasting a smile on my face as Emmett's cheery face practically lit the inside of the diner.

"Hello, Alexandria." His dimpled smile didn't waver as he took the seat Chase had just abandoned. "I thought I would come down and see how you were doing."

"The girl's a natural!" Russell called over the sound of grilling burgers. "Had Mr. O'Neil eating out of her hand."

"Mr. O'Neil is a sucker for a pretty face." Emmett winked at me. To my horror, I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. "I can't say I blame him."

"Be careful Mr. McCarty," a coy smile pulled at my lips as I poured him a cup of coffee. "The locals might get the wrong idea."

"And what idea would that be?" I was beginning to think he always smiled, not that I minded. His piercing blue eyes watched me carefully.

"They might think you're sweet on me."

Behind the little window, Russell let out a snorting laugh. "She's cheeky too!"

Emmett's deep laughter shot through me like a bullet. My wolf practically purred in pleasure as his eyes moved from Russell to me. "I suppose they would think right, then." I tried to fight back a smile as I focused on anything other than his intense gaze. "There's a street fair tonight, welcoming the summer. I don't suppose you would want to go?"

For the first time since I met him, Russell abandoned his post at the tiny grill and made his way to the front to glare down at Emmett. "That's no way to ask a lady out, McCathy!" He huffed and wiped the sweat from his brow with the rag on his shoulder. "Ya gotta put some effort in!"

At the other end of the bar, a few men laughed as they watched us with amused gaze. "You're right, Russell!" Emmett stood, quickly bowing at the waist with a hand over his heart. With those blue orbs pinned to me, his smile grew. "Miss Sterling, would you do me the honor of being my date tonight?"

"That's more like it." Russell mumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest, looking to me for my answer.

"I would be delighted."

The lights were practically hypnotizing, cloaking the dreary darkness of night. On either side of the cramped street, vendors called out to try their game or foods. As Emmett and I walked, my arm looped through his, I couldn't help but notice how people turned our way. He was obviously well known and loved throughout the town. My free hand curled nervously in the pleats of my borrowed dress. Bridget had been my size before her pregnancy, and insisted that I borrow one of her dresses. Her kindness towards me was unfounded, but more than welcome.

"Miss Mary makes the best apple pie in the world." I turned towards Emmett to find his eyes already on me. Every time our eyes met, I could feel the pull of the imprint all over again. "Can I be frank you with, Alexandria?" The request was startling, but I nodded nonetheless. "I feel drawn to you." He stopped to take my hands in his, facing me. "I can't explain it, but it was like I was meant to meet you."

"I know what you mean." More than he knew… I knew that eventually I would have to tell Emmett the truth about me, about the imprint. In a world where monsters were just stories for children, how could I expect him to understand? His smile broke again, paling the lights of the small stands. "Why don't we get a slice of that pie?"

"If you think you can stop at just one." He laughed again and placed a large hand on the small of my back. "Bridget was thinking of taking a trip to the cabins this weekend. They're good for hunting, but the women typically stay inside and gossip about how handsome we are." He gave me a cheeky smile. "I know I haven't known you that long, and I wouldn't want to scandalize you, but I would enjoy your company. You would have your own room of course. Bridget has taken a liking to you, and I would hate to leave her in the cabin all alone, especially in her state."

If the promise of the woods wasn't enough to draw me in, the prospect of spending a weekend with Emmett was. "I think I could manage that, though I'm not usually the gossiping type."

"Do you hunt?" He rose a brow. A woman hunting was rare, that was true enough, but if he found out the way I hunted, it would be enough to turn his hair white.

"Not particularly. I do enjoy a good run through the woods, though."

"Well, I don't suggest going alone. There are a lot of bears in the woods."

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