To all my readers: I am so so so sorry I took so long to update.

Life just got in the way. I had major computer-problems and had to take the old thing to a specialist in the end. Work has kept me busy too and made me tired. And two weeks ago my car died. My own stupid mistake. Tomorrow I'm going to check out another one with my dad.

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Music:

The whole world is watching – Within Temptation ft Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum)

Far away – Nickelback

Keep the faith – Bon Jovi

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Chapter 39: The Imprints – Homefront

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Emily

I was cooking in my home, just to have something to do. A big roast was simmering away in a pot and a cake was in the oven. Meanwhile I worked on pancakes, lots of pancakes. Sure they would be cold by the time our boys got back, but they'd eat them anyway. I was so worried, if I didn't keep myself busy, I'd be pacing through the house. Luckily I wasn't alone, all the people who knew of the secret and the war, were here, crammed into my house.

Kim was also anxious, so she started cleaning stuff. Old Quil, Rachel and Billy distracted themselves with some TV. Jacy was reading up on Quileute history, but looked up regularly. Sue was checking her medical supplies again. The only ones who seemed relaxed were the kids, Claire and Sophie. They played together in a corner of the living-room.

My little girl, she just turned two years old. Even had a birthday-party, despite all the training and preparing. My angel could always make me smile. Such a bright and happy toddler. Learning so fast, to speak and walk. She hardly babbled or stumbled. Guess she has good genes. I sighed, hopefully the next one will be just like that.

I rubbed my stomach in thought. Kim noticed and came up to me. "Are you nauseous again?" she asked. "Maybe you should take a break." I shook my head; "No, I'm fine, the time morning-sickness plagued me is gone, thank heavens." My friend nodded and smiled. "I'm betting it's a boy this time, she said, this pregnancy is so different from Sophie's." I was three months along now and it hadn't been a total surprise like my first.

Nooo, after as little as two weeks I was puking my guts out several times a day. Had my daughter worried, 'mommy not feel good'. I explained she was going to have a brother or sister. Well, she liked that, but her face scrunched up too, in the most adorable way. "Where will new baby come from?" she inquired. I pointed at my belly.

Amazement came in her eyes. And then, she put her ear against my stomach and her hands as well. "Hello, you in there, she said firmly, what you doing?" You making mommy sick?" Don't do that." What a day that had been, I couldn't stop smiling. Sam had come in at that exact moment and laughed at the cute scene.

It was still early in the morning, though it felt like hours had passed. I gave a silent prayer to the spirits; please let them be okay, please let them come home safely. Suddenly there was the sound of footsteps outside and the door opened. Cold air rushed in, along with the wolf-twins. They shook themselves at the threshold, some snowflakes falling on the floor.

Will held up his hands as everybody looked their way. "No, no news, they're too far away." Adam added: "We get bits and pieces, now and then." It seems to be going well." His brother took over again. "It started to snow a bit." He inhaled deeply. "Mmm, pancakes, can we have some?" I nodded and they stacked a plate. Like usual both inhaled their food. Within minutes they were finished and helped themselves to a gallon of milk.

"Thanks Emily, they said in unison, that will keep us going for a while." And off those boys went. Back to patrolling and making sure we were safe. I took a big breath and decided to sit down at the kitchen table. Suddenly my energy was down. This was all so big, it could change everything.

Sue came over immediately and gave me a quick check-up. Then she put a cup of tea in front of me. "Keep yourself hydrated," she instructed. I nodded and watched her take over the cooking. She's so strong, my aunt. After a few minutes Kim joined me looking a bit flushed. "I'm done cleaning, she said, your place is spick and span." We smiled at each other and just sipped our tea in silence.

Were they going to fight all day? How long could they last? Our wolves were flesh and blood, able to get tired and hurt easier. Would it help if I could see them now? To know what was going on? Probably not, seeing I can't help in any way. How long I was zoned out, thinking about this, I don't know.

But it must have been quite a while, as someone tugged on the hem of my dress. Sophie asked to be picked up so she could sit on my lap. I lifted her and she snuggled into my chest. "I love you mommy, she whispered, and daddy too." He will come home." Hopefully she was right. I kissed the top of her little head.

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Kim

Just sitting and waiting was so frustrating. Rachel felt the same, she was getting restless. Even if it was scary, I wish to be a wolf right now, just so I could fight alongside my love. My Jared. We had finished highschool and were thinking on what to do next. Besides planning our wedding. I fumbled with my engagement-ring. It was a simple silver one, with a rose on it, also made of silver and a tiny rhinestone in the middle.

Jared said I smelled like roses. Really, I had thought, that must be my shampoo. Ah, well, it didn't matter, the ring was perfect. I didn't need a big, flashy thing. We belonged together, that was all that mattered. No jewellery would change that, it would only tell the outside world. Not to say I didn't fantasize about the ceremony though.

After Emily's, I'd like something so romantic too. To dance in the light of the setting sun. Yes, let out those positive thoughts. We were going to have that future. I imagined him coming home, walking in tired, his eyes immediately searching me out. I would fling myself into his arms and kiss him senseless.

Getting up I went to a closet and dug out a box with bridal magazines. They were old, but I was glad Em kept them. Looking at the pictures would distract me and I needed that. To think of the road we might want to take. Going to college or doing an online course. Getting a job and a home of our own. What would I want to be? Where did I want to live? Here, near La Push of course, but still. And after that a family of our own?

I looked at Emily and Sophie together. Hmm, I could see myself with a daughter, definitely. Or a son. Or both. My mind wandered on to doing arts and crafts with them. Like I did with Claire and Sophie sometimes. Maybe I could be a kindergarten teacher. Or a photographer. Or a journalist. So many choices, but I had to make them, as an adult. No more hanging onto mom and dad.

Though they wouldn't mind if I asked for help. Me going away, left the 'nest' empty. My sister, who was almost four years older than me, had left a long time ago. Megan was bright and sparkly and ready to see the world beyond the reservation.

She had travelled all over the country, leaving our parents worried. But finally she had returned to Washington and settled in Hoquiam, which wasn't too far away. Ah, and when I said 'settled down', I meant staying in one place. She was far too busy for a serious relationship. Her high energy level lead her to be an organizer of events. Whether it was a party or a shop-opening, she'd be the best.

A bit like Alice, I guess, without the fashion obsession. And that is why she would only be allowed as a bridesmaid. Hopefully she'd hold back and let me lead. I could see her pouting, before tearing up the dance floor. Because she loved to dance, just like me. I hope she'll bring a date, a nice guy, who could handle her, calm her down. I grinned.

This was a good way to keep myself occupied. Maybe Jared would feel this and it would give him a boost. He mentioned once he could sense how I was feeling, even if he couldn't see me. So I focused on sending him love and strength. To tell him I was safe and waiting for him. I folded my hands together in prayer and closed my eyes.

After a minute I felt someone near me and peeked to see who it was. Claire was standing there, looking at me with a curious expression. "What are you doing?" she asked. "I'm saying a prayer for the boys, I answered, and telling Jared I love him." She nodded and climbed onto a chair next to me. "Yes, she said once seated, they have to defeat the evil monsters and come home safe." I will pray too." And she copied my pose.

This girl was smart for a six year old. And perceptive. She knew of our guys and girl turning into wolves. It somehow hadn't surprised her and she wasn't scared. Having heard the legends just as we had, she believed in them from the start, like the kid she was, like others believed in Santa Claus. Adoring Quil and looking up to him had helped too of course.

'I knew he was special, she had once stated, and he is, he's a superhero.' We had been baffled at the time, walking along the beach. Still we hadn't told her the whole truth though. That would be too much. So we just said 'the cold ones' were evil monsters with red eyes. And now we directed ourselves to the spirits together, asking them for help and guidance.

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Rachel

Ugh, I wish I could do something other than just sit here! The TV had nothing of interest on it and only so many channels to flip through. We finally left it on one with 24/7 news bulletins. The man on the screen was blabbing on and on about strange things happening during this very full moon today. People and animals acted crazy and emergency services had their hands full. The weatherman talked about expecting more snow late evening to midnight.

Great, I thought, just what we need, more obstacles for our 'army'. Though they should be back by then, right? How long would this fight last? I had faith in them and believed they had a lot going in their favour. Of course I didn't know the enemy and what they could do. The guys and May had told us some stuff when we, the adult imprints, had asked, but not much.

Paul said it would only worry us more if they told us everything. So now we were left with the knowledge we had and hope. Hope they would survive, make it home in one peace. Hope there would be no more threat. Maybe then we could really start to plan our future.

Right now we were making small steps, basic decisions. Though getting engaged right after Kim and Jared wasn't small, I guess. But Paul knew I wanted to settle down and get a place of our own. Well, turns out we were well connected and my man found a job on the Oceanside Resort. As a maintenance-man he takes care of all the buildings. There's the hotel, cabins and camping-grounds.

It's not fulltime work, but with my income added we managed quite alright. Paul's work also came with an apartment close to the resort. They wanted him to be able to respond quickly to any call. So, we had that ticked off our list. Strange, how my life had turned out. I absolutely never imagined to end up here and now.

Living back home, the place I fled from after mom's death. And with a three and a half year younger fiancé. Who can turn into a giant wolf no less. And my brother is one too. Normal people find that too much to handle. Yet, I accepted it quite fast, imprint and all. Hmm, guess I'm not normal than. Hah, not that I care about that, I like where I am. Sure it took some getting used to at first, but now I wouldn't have it any other way.

Dad, me, Jake, Paul and Renesmee, we're a weird bunch together, but we've worked it out. Even with all the extra added persons thrown into the mix, we can handle it. Nothing much phases us nowadays. I'm glad my man has done a lot of growing up though. I like him earning his keep and providing a home for us. He does too, I can see it and this job fits perfectly with his duties as a protector, a pack member.

He's a physical kind of guy, not one for many fancy words. Sometimes he tries though, to write me a poem or do something else romantic. I love that, it always makes me smile. The big oaf. But the way he tells me best that he loves me, is with his hands. When he touches me, I feel it right away, a warm wave washing over me.

His kisses too, set me on fire, no one else exists when our lips meet. When I tell him that, he says it's me, who has the talented mouth. I just grin then and kiss him again. Who knew love could feel like this, so intense, so perfect. I sigh and come back to reality.

Looking around the room at all the people here, I felt at home, where I belonged. We've all become so close, like family. I couldn't imagine my life without them anymore. Feeling thirsty and a bit hungry I got up to get some food and drinks. The others wanted something too.

The first few minutes we sat together it was silent, until Claire started talking about funny animal video's she'd seen. That evolved in us grown-ups discussing regular things also. Like my father's football-team always losing. Just some friendly banter helping us relax a bit.

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Jacy

Wow, I can't believe I've been here over a year now. Time has gone by so fast. Being an imprint has proven to be intense, but I can't deny our connection. It just feels right when we're together. And we don't have to rush anything, though we've talked about marrying and starting a family. She explained that the last part wouldn't come easy, especially with her phasing regularly right now.

But, on the positive side, her body would stay young like this and be ready when we would be. So, for now, kids were put on hold. I didn't mind so much, as was still finding my feet here in Washington. Besides, we would be able to make love any time we wanted, without worrying about anything. God, she was gorgeous and sexy! I could never get enough of her.

Often I could hardly believe she was all mine. And I was hers. No one else was allowed to flirt with either of us. I made that clear quickly when we went to visit my family back home. My brothers were impressed and congratulated me, leaving it at that. Good.

Right now however, being part of this group, attached to the supernatural, was somewhat unsettling. How did they deal with this tension? With not knowing how their loved ones were doing? They were fighting in a war for god sake! My woman, my soulmate, was taking on powerful vampires. That just didn't sit right with me, but there was nothing I could do.

Here, in this world, I was the weaker one, who needed protection. Ugh! I know, it sounds old fashioned to think like that, but I really wanted to join in the fight too. I'm a man, the son of a chief and probably related to Nahele and Ogin. Why couldn't I turn into a giant, strong animal-spirit, a warrior? I wanted to be worthy of that honour, to not just stand on the sidelines. Sigh.

Looking around I sensed others probably felt the same way. Billy especially, I could see it in his eyes.

I returned my attention to the book in my lap. It had so many details in it on the life of a spirit-wolf. Which wasn't all that super all the time. Keeping the secret from 'outsiders' was especially hard sometimes. What could you tell the woman you loved about where you went last night, when the relationship was just new? Or when she wasn't your imprint?

The whole imprinting business was so complicated. The fact it should be a rare occurrence, was often debated. By each generation of wolves there had been, I discovered, not just ours. Ephraim believed the longer it took for it to happen, the slimmer the chance. In the records only Taha Aki had imprinted past the age of twenty five. He had also been the one to phase the longest.

So did that mean there was hope for our single boys yet? For a normal relationship. My mind wandered a bit. I flipped through the pages to the end of the book. What had happened to Taha Aki after he ran off, that last time he saved the tribe? It was assumed he was dead, that he maybe killed himself, but nobody knew for sure. For a moment I imagined him still out there, checking up on us from time to time. Hmm ....

After a quick meal we had together, I stepped outside a moment for some fresh air. It was cold, with a clear sky. My breath fogged and I shivered a second, before hugging my coat. I looked up to the still visible moon and wondered what this day would bring. I zoned out praying to all the spirits, to our ancestors, to any higher being who would listen.

Envisioning them up high, watching us, those in Canada, everybody. I was almost in a similar trance as in the vision-quest which brought me here. But I didn't get any image sent to me this time to guide me. I tried harder, yet no luck. Sue's hand on my shoulder whisked me back to reality, making me aware that I was freezing.

She brought me inside to the couch, wrapping me up in a thick blanket. A hot cup of coffee helped too with getting warm. There was something else though, a strange, anxious feeling growing in the pit of stomach. Leah, had she been hurt? I didn't know, but something was definitely wrong. Please ... !? I prayed.

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Claire

All the adults were worried about our guys and girl fighting in that war, but I wasn't. They were all so strong and magical, I knew they would win. Right? Okay, I felt a little doubt, because I didn't know how powerful the monsters were. So I prayed with Kim. And played with Sophie, so she wouldn't think of it. So she wouldn't worry about her dad too much.

You must stay strong my wolf, I thought to Quil, and fight big brother. Defeat the evil beings and bring everyone home. I know you can do that, you are my hero. I love you! Always.

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Surprised you with this group? A break from the fighting, I feel. Let me know what you think, please, please ...! JK