A/N: This is a chapter that was thought about an extremely long time ago; way back before the prologue was posted. But as I've grown as a writer, it's contents have changed partly because it's connection to Backstory: KJH. And partly because many things still have to happen before the introduction of a conflict.

Speaking of Backstory: KJH, the first chapter will be posted extremely soon. It'll be posted along with a chapter that gives us some insight as to what you'll find there.

I apologize for the long A/N. I do not own Twilight nor do I own the concept of Confessors. I wish I could have come up with something so awesome.

"She's his what?"

Seth sighed and shook his head, a small smile hoovering at the corners of his lips. We were sitting at the bottom of the porch steps. We were here alone; Jacob had went with everyone else to hunt. I had stayed because I already went the day before. Quil was back in La Push and I was sure that Leah and Embry were wandering aimlessly around the forest. Seth had volunteered to stay with me when he'd seen the disconcerted expression on my face when it occured to me that I'd be left alone. I've had enough alone time to last me a century.

"His imprint," Seth repeated, "When a wolf imprints, they become completely devoted to that one person. They become anything their imprint needs them to be, whether it be a protector, friend, brother, or lover. It's supposed to be real complex; nobody really knows it's purpose. Jacob's dad, one of the elders, thinks it's to create stronger wolves."

The way he explained it made it sound like a sort of procedure. I had an impulsive urge to ask him if it hurt. Instead, I asked, "What does it feel like?"

He pursed his lips and squinted into the distance, seeming to think hard. A tiny robin chirped and landed on a branch nearby. I waited patiently until he shrugged.

"I can't really find a way to explain it. Some say it's like love at first sight. But from what I've heard- and what I've seen- it feels... Do you know what it feels like when a headache suddenly goes away? Or when you have a weight lifted off your shoulders? Like when you say something you've been meaning to say for a while. Times ten. Just...light, I guess. Happy. Blissful."

I glanced briefly at him before standing up and heading for the trees, beckoning for him to follow. "Sounds intense," I remarked casually.

"Yeah. Bella wasn't too happy about it either. She nearly annihilated Jake when she found out," he answered, looking at me as I stared up at the little bird pirched in the tree. At first it seemed oblivious but then it looked right at me and chirped again.

"So," I strolled a little ways to the left and sure enough, the bird's eyes followed, "Is Jacob the only one who's imprinted?"

"Not at all," he said matter-of-factly, "It's supposed to be rare but it seems that it's been happening a lot lately. Quil imprinted on a girl named Claire. She's only two but as of now they're relationship is only like brother and sister. And it could stay like that if that's what they choose. She's Emily's niece, Sam's imprint. And Jared's with Kim and Paul recently imprinted on Jacob's sister, Rachel."

We exchanged a look and laughed. I could imagine that Jacob wasn't thrilled that Paul - who was apparently a constant bother - had imprinted on his sister.

"And you?" I prodded, "Have you imprinted on anyone, Seth?" He shook his head.

"Nope. Not yet, anyways. And I may not. It doesn't happen for everyone," he explained. I returned my gaze to the little robin and slowly lifted my hand.

"If you do," I smiled, "She'll be a lucky girl."

His eyes softened and he grinned, "Thanks."

I meant it. And I hoped the girl that he'd imprint on would be good to him. I hoped she would never hurt him. More than anything, I wanted Seth to be happy.

Seth has become something of a best friend. We'd hit it off from the start and remained close. I liked being around him and his silly nature. Ever since the day we met, a week ago, we've been, "Attached at the hip," Esme says. I honestly found it hard to believe that anyone wouldn't want to constantly be around Seth.

I still had my hand up, very still, not looking at the bird so it wouldn't feel pressured. Finally, it glided down and landed on my raised hand. I laughed triumphantly and Seth looked on with intrigued eyes.

"I thought animals didn't like vampires," he mused, examining the bird closely. I shrugged.

"They've never seemed to act any differently around me than they did when I was human. They even seem to like me a little," I tilted my head to the side at the robin and giggled when it mimicked the movement.

"You're kinda like Snow White," Seth said with an amused smirk. I shook my head.

"No I'm not. Snow White...got her happily ever after. I didn't. Probably never will," I said resignedly as I lifted my hand and watched the bird fly away.

We stood in a solemn silence for a minute before Seth came and took something off the top of my head. His hand came back with a small feather that obviously came from the robin.

"Maybe so," he murmured, fingering the feather, "And there's the fact that you get vampires instead of dwarves. And instead of seven you have eight and a half."

I laughed as the air around us seemed to lighten. There were often times like this when Seth thought I was being "too serious" and would find a way to make me laugh or would smoothly change the subject into something stressless.

"Okay," I relented, "If I'm Snow White, then you have to be Lassie."

He raised an eyebrow, "Lassie is a girl."

"Exactly."

I screamed as he threw me over his shoulder and spun me around. I waited for my vision to blur and my head to swim but it never came.

"Put me down!" I shrieked. His laugh reverberated through my body.

"Beg for mercy," he commanded.

"Never!"

I resorted to kicking and squirming- but not too hard because I didn't really want to hurt him. He seemed unfazed and even threw me in the air. I screeched and threatened to bite him but he didn't stop. I gritted my teeth and made the decision to beg for mercy like he said when we were interupted.

"I thought I was hearing a banshee."

I was immediately put down and turned around to give Embry Call a scowl.

Where Seth made me feel happy and playful, Embry was irritating and provoked a violence in me that I didn't even know I had. I secretly thought of him as the Anti-Seth. With me and Embry, life itself had become a complete battle-a battle of wills. And sometimes I found myself tossing sour comments his way but I couldn't help it when he kept making cracks like-

"But it turns out it was just Seth's little vamp girlfriend."

That.

"Wow," I muttered cynically, "That was just so-"

I glared at Seth as a snicker suddenly burst from his pressed lips. He often found Embry's teasing amusing.

"Funny!" I ground out as my fist connected with Seth's arm. He stopped laughing immediately.

"Ow," he whined.

"So," I huffed, turning back to Embry, "Did you come back just to annoy me to death?" I frowned as I realize that I had just set myself up for an 'undead-vampire' pun. Embry smirked as he realized this too but let it go this time.

"No," he admitted grudgingly, "I just needed to get away from my mom for a bit."

The frown deepened as I watched him lower himself onto a fallen tree. I took a hesitant step closer.

"Why would you want to get away from your mother?" I asked.

He glanced up at me and I saw a flash of annoyance, borderline anger, "Why do you ask so many questions?" he snapped.

"I'm curious," I answered calmly. All expression fell away from his features and he stared blankly at the horizon. The sky got a little darker. A cool breeze ruffled the leaves above us.

"She's just not in a good mood right now. We sort of got into an arguement," he answered finally. Vaguely.

But vague was better than nothing so I pressed further. "And what about your dad?"

He looked at me again and I saw a glimmer of the initial anger before it was gone and he said wearily, "It's complicated, kid."

I turned my head to give Seth a questioning look that said 'Is it really?' He gave a nod that answered 'Very.'

When I turned back to Embry I felt an awfully familiar pang. I knew that look. Empty but loaded all the same.

A look of loss. Or what could be mistaken for loss. Because you can't lose what you've never had.

"Look," I started slowly, "I don't think you should run from your mom when she's mad at you. Because every minute you spend away from her is a minute you'll wish you never lost when she's...gone."

His head snapped up and he gazed at me with wide eyes. Really, I hadn't meant to scare him but if I had to be blunt to get through that thick skull of his then so be it.

"So let her cool down but when you do go back- and I know you will sooner or later- tell her you're sorry. Not everybody lives forever, Embry. When they're gone, they're gone for good. And everything you ever said to them- you won't be able to take it back."

"I hate you!"

I tried not to flinch at the images flashing through my head. As I continued to stare knowingly into his eyes, I couldn't tell if they were wide with fear or surprise that I had called him by his first name instead of Call. Or dog.

I shrugged and turned to go back to my place on the steps.

"It's not too late for you, Embry," I called over my shoulder.

I wish I could say the same for myself.