Disclaimer: Not mine.

A/N: So two updates in such close proximity! I never thought it would happen but I'm avoiding my latin homework, so y'all get an extra dose of Miss Imprint. Hope you guys enjoy this one! I had fun writing it.

Let me know what you think!

-Savanasi

P.S. You guys are AMAZING with the reviews! Keep it up, yo. ;)

Miss Imprint

Chapter 10: Home

The trees were large and doing that god-awful looming thing. You know, when they hang right over you, their branches dangling in all directions and you feel like you're about to be consumed.

But moving quickly was helping me move past my paranoia and so far I was only moderately frightened- really, I was.

An ominous creak rung out from behind me and I'm unashamed to say I whimpered a little as the branches directly above me began to sway with gusto.

The wind was picking up and it wasn't friendly, not by any means.

Where was he? I bet he was behind some tree watching me struggle for dear life as he snickered.

Stupid boy.

Well…my stupid boy I suppose. I smiled at that, overcome with a sudden giddiness.

I could get used to that.

He had to be nearby, I was a minute, two at most behind him.

He couldn't have gotten far.

Leaves rustled along the floor to my right and I turned instantly, my eyes scanning the forest.

But the light was dropping and I hadn't remembered to grab my glasses. My night vision wasn't the best. But I could see what was close…which had always been enough. Now, I wasn't so sure.

The footsteps were to my left now and I turned, reaching back blindly for a tree to press up against.

That was like survival 101, gotta have something safe against your back.

Otherwise some piece of crap will put a knife in it.

And I hear that hurts.

So tree it is.

Breathing came next and I felt my mind blank out for a moment as my fear level spiked but I just tightened my grip on the wood behind me.

"Seth?"

Nothing.

"I know it's you, so get out here."

Still nothing.

"I'm not joking and this is so far from funny…so get out here, please." That last bit had come out a little softer than I had intended so I cleared my throat and frowned at the trees.

My war face was pretty kick ass if I do say so myself.

And then I heard it.

It was my friend, the Spanish wolf. And it wasn't in any better mood than it was last time.

It stepped forward out of the trees and I swear I lost all sensation in my limbs for a second, it was just so freaking…huge.

And those teeth, that was not normal.

It pawed the ground lightly and then tossed its head back and howled.

I pressed myself as far back as possible.

I could stand still and hoped I blended in with the wood behind me but my skin was a wee bit too pale for that.

I could climb the tree but I'd probably fall seeing as I'd never climbed a tree before and then I'd really only just be making things easier for it.

And last I could distract it.

Bingo. We have a winner.

I leaned down slowly and picked up a twig.

" Hey there, buddy, look, a nice big piece of wood, just for you." I wagged it in front of it temptingly.

It seemed to follow it with its eyes and so I lifted my arm and threw it to the side but either my aim or my tossing skills were off because all I managed to do was hit it in the side.

Fuck.

A booming growl echoed out and I swear it rocked the ground it was so loud.

I screamed and dropped to the ground my arms flung over my head.

And I stayed as still as I possibly could,

But nothing happened.

I looked up carefully but it was gone and there in the middle of the clearing was Seth, in slightly askew basketball shorts and a worried look on his face.

"Hey." The word came out shaking and I felt my eyes start to water. I blinked furiously. Now was not the time.

"Oh Cass."

And then he was everywhere, his arms pulling me into him and swung my legs up so that I was cradled in his grasp.

I felt him sit down but I just pulled his neck to me, pressing my forehead into the junction it made with his shoulders.

And we breathed together.

I felt him shift into me, his arms pulling me in tighter and I felt the fear dissipate as fast as it had come. Seth was just so secure, and so warm. He was home.

"Are you-" He began, his breath brushing the top of my head.

"I'm fine." I finished, my voice steady now that he was here. I sat up a little and he was so close, his lips just within reach.

He licked them conspicuously and I raised my gaze to meet his and he quirked an eyebrow before leaning in and nudging my nose with his own.

I brushed my lips against his, shivering at the sudden contact and he smiled against my mouth before standing up in a single, fluid motion.

I pulled back in surprise, tightening my grip on him.

"I can walk, it's okay, you don't-"

"Cassie, I got this." I smiled, shyly before pinching his shoulder lightly.

" I don't think you've ever given up so easily." He smirked.

"Well maybe I'm enjoying the ride." I tossed back, easily. His eyebrows quirked lightly.

"Oh yeah?" His voice dropped and suddenly I was flush against him, my back pressed hard into a tree.

I swallowed hard at the proximity.

I ran my hand tentatively up his shoulder, letting my fingers trace the slightly flexed deltoid that stood out prominently.

I let my hand brush against the back of his neck, finding purchase there just as he shifted me higher so that I was resting against his hips, my legs easily wrapping around his waist.

He dipped his head, his nose running along my chin, as his hands pressed into my waist, pulling me against him more firmly.

I let out a harsh breath when his lips pressed suddenly into my neck, tickling me as an explosion of pinpricks radiated out from the point of contact.

I shivered and he chuckled deep and low before lifting one of his arms from my waist.

I almost let out a sound of protest but then his fingers were on my chin, pulling it down gently and then we were eye to eye, nose to nose, mouth to mouth.

And I closed my eyes as his breath fanned over my face.

And I waited for him to move that final inch towards sweet, sweet contact.