Chapter 6

KPOV

I woke up before 6 to make sure I could shower, dress, and have breakfast well before Jared showed up. I wanted to look my best and smell good. I even used perfume that I save for special occasions.

By 7:30 I was staring out the front window waiting to see his truck pull up. I felt like a dork already but I was really excited about seeing him again. I felt a churn in my stomach as I thought of what the other kids at school would think of me getting out of his truck. Maybe I could convince him to park in the back where no one would really see us. It wasn't that I was embarrassed of him, I just didn't want him to be embarrassed of me.

I didn't have to wait very long. His truck pulled up and before he could even put it in park, I was already out the door. My heart was pounding and I fought the urge to run to him like a little kid.

He got out and smiled at me, "Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well?"

I blushed, lost my breath, and ended up tripping over my own feet right into him. This morning was off to great start.

"Careful," he chuckled and set me back on my feet.

"Sorry," I muttered, "and yes I slept ok, but you don't look like you did," I pointed out. I noticed the circles under his gorgeous eyes.

"Yeah, it was a long night," he said frowning a little.

"Why?" I asked as we got in the truck, "Did something go wrong?"

He started the engine, "The redhead came back, with friends. I…We took out one of them, but her and the other got away."

"My god! Are the other wolves ok?" I asked. I didn't have to be a wolf myself to know that vampires were dangerous.

"Yeah, they're fine," he smiled at me, "Paul got backhanded, but he's ok. We heal fast." It started to rain and he put the wipers on.

I looked out the window. It was scary knowing I had no idea what kind of a world we were living in, that the average murderer wasn't the most dangerous thing out there anymore.

After a few minutes, we pulled up to the school. I could see Seth sitting with Leah at a picnic table waiting for the bell. They saw me and Seth waved at me. I waved back, but frowned. Just as I knew would happen, kids stared, although I enjoyed the shocked outraged looks I got from the girls who teased me on the bus.

He parked and I opened my door.

"Wait!" he reached across me and pulled the door shut with a slam.

"What's wrong?" I asked startled. He looked around us frowning before sticking his keys back in the ignition.

"There's a vampire. I'm getting you out of here," he started the truck back up.

"H-how do you know?" I looked around too, but I had no idea what a vampire looked like. I was scared though.

"I can smell it," he sped us out of the parking lot.

"Do you know who it is?" I asked watching the school get smaller in the mirror, "And what about the other kids are they safe?"

"Right now my only priority is making sure you're safe. I'll alert Sam, and he will check it out. Everything will be fine," he said.

I couldn't believe this was actually happening. I hoped Seth and Leah were safe.

"Where are we going?"

"My place. It reeks of wolf. No bloodsucker will want to come near there. You should be safe. Then I'll get the pack together and we'll get him. Or at least chase him off the Rez."

His place. He was taking me to his house. My father would have a cow. He was coming home today. God why did it have to be today?

LPOV (Leah)

"Seriously?" Seth looked at me annoyed, "She's going to ditch school again with him?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "Why do you care anyway? Be happy for Kim."

"What is it about Jared she thinks is so cool? I think he's a thug now that he's joined Sam's little gang."

"Can you not talk about Sam?" I snapped, "Just leave it alone Seth."

Lately my little brother had been more of a pain than usual. Especially since Jared imprinted on Kim. I envied her so much. Not because she had Jared, but because he was completely devoted to her. She'd have him forever. I wanted a love like that, so bad.

Seth had no clue what that even was, but I did. Kim and my brother were good friends but you would think he's jealous or something of Jared.

That was when it hit me.

"Seth, you don't have a crush on Kim, do you?"

"No!" he crossed his arms and looked away. I always knew when he lied.

"Seth, I say this because I am your sister and I care about you. You're wasting your time. Kim has been in love with Jared since elementary school. She won't pick you. Besides, you're not…the right guy for her," I said as kindly as possible.

"Oh and Jared is? A guy who's never looked twice at her?" he scowled at me, "I'm her best friend. I know her better than he does. She cares about me. I know she does!"

"She cares about you as a friend. That's all you were meant to be. You need to move on now before you end up getting your heart broken and making Kim feel guilty. No good can come from this," I told him.

"Just 'cause that happened to you, doesn't mean it will happen to me," he said and I stared at him, hurt and angry. I could tell by his face he already regretted saying it, but it was too late. "Leah, I didn't mean-"

"Save it," I walked away.

JPOV

We pulled up in front of my house, and no one was home thank god. Not that my mom would care anyway, but I didn't want to have to explain everything.

I shut off the truck and we got out. Kim was taking in my crappy looking house. I scratched the back of my head a little embarrassed. If I'd known she would be here ahead of time, I would've tried to make it look a little nicer.

"It's not much, but it's home," I said walking up next to her. She smelled so good. My desire to kiss her was growing with more time I spent with her. I smiled, remembering what Paul had told me. I would bring that up today sometime, and hopefully this time she'd be honest about how she felt about me.

"I think it's adorable," she said glancing at me.

I grinned and took her hand, leading her inside. She curiously looked around, blushing again.

"This is the living room, over there is the kitchen," I led her to the hall, "First door on the left is the bathroom, second is my mom's room, and the door on the right is my room."

"Can I see it?"

"No way, it's a mess," I said taking her back into the living room, "If I'd known you'd be here I'd have cleaned it."

She smiled, "I'm sure it's not that bad."

"Oh it is. It's a hazardous area," I chuckled and we sat on the couch and I handed her the remote, "Pick something to watch. I'll be right back. I've gotta call Sam."

She nodded and I went out the back door. I was about to dial his number when Sam emerged from the woods that were behind my house.

"Jared, we've got problems," he ran up to me, and looked past me, "Is Kim in there?"

I nodded and he motioned for me to follow him back into the woods.

"Sam, I can't just take off and leave her alone, there is a vampire on the Rez somewhere," I told him.

"You're not taking off, we're just making sure she can't hear us. I know there is a vampire on the Rez," he said once we were far enough away, "Embry and Paul are searching for him right now. But we tracked it from the school to your house before we lost it. He was following you. It's the stranger from last night. I think that lady you killed was his mate and he wants revenge."

"So he's after me? That's fine. I'll just kill him when he comes for me," I said feeling the hair on the back of my neck rise up.

He shook his head, "He's not after you. He's after your imprint, your mate."

Now I was afraid, "What? Why? I killed the woman, not Kim," I was heating up, getting angry, and freaking out. She was in danger because of me. No. I would not let anyone hurt her.

"Calm down, we won't let him get anywhere near her. I guess he thinks of it as an eye for an eye, a mate for a mate," said Sam.

"Wait, how do you know he's after Kim?"

"We picked up his scent again at her house. He knows where she lives. For her own protection you have to stay with her at all times until we catch him. Explain this to her gently, because she will probably be scared out of her mind at first, and tell her I'll have Embry watching over her father too," he said.

"What? I want to help find the leech too not sit around while everyone else does the hunting," I scowled.

He smiled thoughtfully, "Jared, if I separate you from her you'll be so worried sick about her you won't even be able to focus. You could get yourself killed. No, you stay with her, protect her, while we search. Also did I ever talk to you about marking?"

I shook my head.

"Well," he scratched the back of his head, "It's a way to keep your imprint safer. Is to mark her. It will make her smell like you to vampires," he seemed embarrassed to talk about this. Why?

"Ok, sounds great. How do I do it? It won't hurt her will it?" I asked.

"Not badly," he said smirking, "You bite her neck in between her ear and shoulder, but you have to do it when your bond is at its strongest…when you're you know," he looked down.

What was he talking about? I was confused. When our bond is at its strongest? I raised my eyebrows. Did he mean…?

He nodded, "I mean sex. There I said it. But you both have to be in love for it to work."

Sex with Kim? The thought made my whole body heat up and tingle. I hadn't even thought about going that far yet. I haven't even gotten to kiss her yet, but I knew it would be amazing. Both of us skin against skin, my imprint sighing my name.

"Ok. That's enough Jared. I didn't need to hear any of that," Sam scowled.

"Sorry," I laughed, "Forgot you can hear me. Wait how do you know what marking is? Have you marked Emily?" I grinned.

He looked away, "Not that it's any of your business, but yes I have. I didn't even know what I was doing at the time. Just one night I felt an overwhelming wolf-urge to bite her neck when we were…you know. So I did some research in some old tribe history books and it mentioned it. It's pretty much officially making your imprint yours."

I nodded, "But I should try getting her to kiss me, before we go that far," I chuckled, "Anyway with how shy she is, It'll be a while before we do that. I'm not going to pressure her. I want her to trust me."

He nodded, "I know. Anyway go back to Kim and don't leave her alone until we take care of this, I have to go now."

"Keep me posted."

Sam turned away from me, phased, and sprinted into the woods.

I went back to the house. When I walked in I could hear 'Duck Dynasty' playing and saw Kim sitting comfortably on my couch. I smiled at her as I walked in.

"Everything ok?" she asked timidly.

I glanced out the front window, and shut the curtains before sitting next to her on the couch.

"You remember when I said we killed a vampire last night?" I knew she did.

"Yeah."

"Well, it was me who did it. I killed her," I waited for her response.

"And? That's a good thing right? You did your job."

"Yeah, but the other two had gotten away. There was a redhead who's been coming back for months but we can never catch her, and the other I just found out was her mate. He's come back…for you," I said softly.

Her eyes widened, "For me? Why me? You mean…he wants to kill me?" I could see her fear.

"Kim, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to put you in danger, but he wants revenge against me for taking away his mate. So he wants to take away mine. But I won't let him get anywhere near you, or hurt you. I promise. You're safe with me, but you have to stay with me until the pack can catch him," I said looking into her eyes. Despite her fear, she blushed a deep shade of red.

"I-I'm…your mate?" she asked shocked.

Now I was blushing. I never blushed! "Well, yeah, remember? I told you I imprinted on you. It's more than a little crush," I said chuckling. She was acting as if this was the first time I told her she was my imprint. Had she forgotten yesterday?

"I kind of thought that maybe you were just messing with me," she said softly, "About you imprinting on me."

I frowned, "Why would I do that? I'm not pulling your leg."

"It just seems too good to be true," she said glancing at me, "You're perfect and I'm not. I just don't see how I'm meant for you. I'm nothing, a geek, a nobody. You deserve someone as beautiful and cool as you are."

I shook my head, "You are so wrong. I'm not perfect, and you, you're everything to me. Everything. You are all that matters to me now. My whole existence, my whole life belongs to you now. What do I have to do to prove that to you?"

She smiled at me, "I believe you…now. I'm sorry I didn't before. I was just being careful."

I nodded, "You're smart. But stop overthinking things so much."

She blushed again and I took her hand feeing a chill go up my spine.

"That being said…When were you planning on telling me you had a crush on me?" I asked softly.

Her eyes went even wider than when I told her she was being hunted by a vampire. I smiled at her sweetly.

"How did you know that? How long have you known?" she asked. With my wolf hearing I could hear her heart racing.

I grinned bigger. So it was true.

"Paul told me last night, but I don't know how he knew. I didn't have time to ask. That's when the bloodsuckers showed up," I said, "But if it's true, why didn't you tell me yesterday when I asked what you needed me to be?" I stroked her hand with my thumb.

"I told you, I wanted to make sure you were serious," she said, "but I wanted to tell you. I've wanted to tell you for years." She held my hand a little tighter blushing, and I wanted to be closer. Then her face contorted into one full of fear again

"My father! Will the vampire go after him? He's home today." She stared at me.

"Don't worry. We have Embry watching him. The leech won't get near you or your father."

She relaxed visibly, "So you are going to stay with me 24/7?"

I nodded grinning, "I don't have a choice even if I didn't want to."

She smiled, "I love having you around, but I have go home sometime tonight. My dad would have the whole Rez looking for me."

"No problem. I'll take you home, then sneak inside through your window or something."

Kim smiled, "What about your mom? Won't she be worried about you?"

I chuckled, "She knows what I am."

"But I thought you weren't allowed to tell anyone except for the imprints."

"I didn't tell her, but she suspects and knows the legends. My great grandfather was one of the first spirit warriors, legend says. I would've had to get the gene from my mom's side. My dad was a pale-face," I grinned, "Like she used to ask me where I was going and give me curfews and stuff, but after she saw my physical changes, she stopped asking altogether and just tells me to be safe."

"Well that's cool," she smiled, "I wish my dad was like that. When he's home he knows about everything I do, and where I go."

I looked into her eyes, "Are you going to introduce me to your dad today?"

She shook her head, "I need a few days to figure out what to say to him. He's very against the idea of me dating anyone, and I've never had a boyfriend before so-"

"I'm your boyfriend?" I smiled stupidly. I didn't mean to interrupt her, but I had to know.

She blushed cutely and looked down, "Well…do you want to be?"

"Yes!"

"Ok well I guess…you are then," she looked away, but I could tell she was smiling.

Definite step up! Now that our relationship was cleared up I could stop stressing about what to do and what not to do with her. I knew we'd be taking things slow with how shy she was, but I was confident that soon I could coax her out of her shell.

I let go of her hand, and gently draped my arm around her shoulder. I waited for a response. She looked over at me with a beautiful smile and leaned against my side with her head on my chest and curled her legs up. My body heated up and I resisted the urge to kiss her, but we stayed like that while watching TV. This was all I wanted for now though, just being close to her was satisfying enough for now. I would've been happy to stay like that forever.

KPOV

Jared was my boyfriend now. I almost couldn't believe it. I'd wanted this for years and now he was mine officially. I was the luckiest girl in the world, or at least I felt like it.

While he was with me, I forgot about all my problems. Even the important ones like a vampire that wants to kill me. Yes, I was scared to death by that but I felt safe with him.

There seemed only one thing left in the way of our happily-ever-after besides the vampire; my father. I didn't tell Jared this, but I was sure he would hate him. With my siblings already gone and out of the house he thought of me as his one child that would be raised perfect with no mistakes. Since both of my sisters had horrible taste in guys by choosing abusive husbands and getting pregnant at young ages, he was scared out of his mind that would happen to me. That was why he told me no dating until I was 20. I'm not sure if he was serious or not, but I dreaded introducing them. Even though I had always obeyed him my whole life nothing would stop me from seeing Jared. He'd just have to get over it.

I checked the TV for the time. I had to go home now. It was around the time I got home from school. He'd hit the ceiling if he knew I'd ditched school. I sighed and gently shook Jared awake. He'd fallen asleep holding me. I didn't mind. He must have been tired after chasing vampires all night. Not to mention he looked adorable when he slept even with snoring.

He sleepily opened one eye, "What's wrong, beautiful?"

I blushed and sat up, "My dad is going to start wondering where I am. I have to go home."

He yawned and sat up, "Ok, I'm up," he turned off the TV, "Let's go."

When we went outside he didn't head for his truck. He went in the opposite direction toward the forest.

"Where are you going?"

He smiled at me, "I'd rather not drive there, then I'd have to hide my truck and everything. This way would be faster anyway."

I stared at him, "What way?"

He grinned and took off his shirt and shorts. I couldn't help but stare and blush. I pushed impure thoughts out of my head. Control yourself, don't start drooling.

"Wait! How am I supposed to get there?" I asked but I was too late. He changed into his wolf form.

He motioned with his head to come toward him and growled softly. I walked over by him and he got down on his stomach making him low enough for me to get on his back.

"Jared, are you sure?" I reached out and touched his back. His fur wasn't exactly soft, but still pleasant to feel.

He nodded his head up and down once.

"Ok, just please don't let me fall off ok?" I hesitantly swung my leg over his back and slid myself to the middle of his back.

He stood up slowly but as if I was weightless and I grabbed two fistfuls of fur for dear life. It seemed like I was really high off the ground. After he grabbed his clothes in his teeth, he turned and walked into the cover of the trees making these cute wolf sounds.

Jared sped up to a trot then before I knew it trees were blurring past us faster than I could count. It was strange, the faster we went, the more smoother the ride was. At first I whimpered out of fear of falling off, but soon I was laughing uncontrollably. I felt so alive, so free, and it was so fun. The most fun I'd had well ever. I was even brave enough to let go of one handful of fur and pet his neck.

He slowed to a walk and got down on his belly. I guess that was the signal to get off. Still giggling I slid off and caught my breath. I was a little dizzy.

He made a soft groaning noise and nudged me with his head in the direction where the trees thinned out and I could see the outline of the back of my house. I nodded and walked in that direction. I knew he would follow shortly probably after he got dressed again.

I walked slowly around to the front of my house and tried to quietly go inside. It didn't work, the screen door creaked and my dad came in from the kitchen.

"You're home a little early," he said with a questioning look on his face.

Crap! Jared had gone too fast. Faster than my bus and I was home 15 minutes earlier than usual.

"Did someone give you a ride?"

I nodded, "I..got a ride home with Leah. She took Harry's car."

He nodded, "Oh ok. Well that's good. I've started dinner and I thought we could rent a movie and have a good old father-daughter night," he smiled.

I didn't want to hurt his feelings, but I wanted more time with Jared. "Actually I've got a lot of homework and stuff, and I'm really tired I'm gonna go to bed early."

His face fell, "Oh, ok. Maybe tomorrow then."

I smiled, "Yeah, dad. Sounds good," I headed for my room.

I opened the door but there was no Jared. That was a good thing for the moment. He should stay outside until my dad at least thought I'd gone to bed. It also gave me a chance to tidy up.

I scrambled to get rid of everything and anything embarrassing; dirty clothes, my diary, a lot of kid movies. I believed you were never too old for Disney.

I found my cell which I had forgotten being so excited this morning. I had 4 missed calls from Seth and several texts:

8:30 a.m- Why did u ditch school again? U shouldn't make a habit of that

9:00 a.m- Kim? Are u busy? You could at least tell me why.

11:30 a.m- Are u ignoring me on purpose? :(

1:00 p.m- Kim plz talk 2 me, I'm getting worried.

2:00 p.m- If you don't start talking 2 me, I'm coming over to see what's going on with u

2:45 p.m- k, skool just ended…on my way

No! Seth couldn't come here now! I started to text him back.

"Kim! Seth is here!" I heard my dad yell in a annoyed tone. I was too late.

I threw open my bedroom door and walked into the living room to see my friend sitting on the couch. My father stood nearby with his arms crossed.

"I thought you had a ton of homework. If you don't have time to have a father-daughter night with me, why did you invite a friend over?" Dad questioned.

"I didn't invite him over," I gave Seth a look.

"Sorry. I just wanted to know why-" Seth started and I grabbed his arm and cut him off.

"Outside," I growled. He gave me a hurt look but followed me outside.

"Seth what were you thinking? You have to make sure it's ok first before you come over when my dad's home!" I said annoyed once we'd walked out of my dad's ear-shot, "You almost got me in trouble."

"Well I'm sorry, it's a little hard to make sure it's ok when you won't talk to me," he frowned.

"I left my phone at home, and I just now got home. I wasn't ignoring you. I wouldn't do that, you know that."

"Wait, just now got home? Where have you been? Why didn't you go to school? Do you know how worried I was?" he asked.

I looked towards the woods, "I was with Jared."

"Yeah, I figured that," he said and crossed his arms.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't like him, Kim. He's a part of Sam's gang. I bet they're always up to no good. He's dangerous," he said.

You have no idea. "I know what I'm doing, Seth."

"He's a player like Paul. He will only break your heart after a week or two. I'm just trying to protect you from that," he said softly.

"No he won't." I didn't let his words get to me. I knew he wouldn't. I was different from his past girlfriends, I was his imprint.

"Fine! Don't say I didn't warn you," my beloved friend seemed different. Flustered and angry.

"Why are you being like this?"

"Being like what?"

"So negative about Jared. Can't you be happy for me?" I asked hurt.

He didn't answer.

"Please, Seth, you're my best friend. I could really use your support," I said.

He shook his head, "He's a bad guy, Kim. Just be careful ok? I need to go home now, it's family night for us. My mom will be mad if I'm not there. I just wanted to make sure you weren't mad at me. I'll see you later," he smiled slightly and walked away.

I watched him go. He didn't live far, just down the road. I felt bad about being angry with him. He was just looking out for me, but I knew he'd come around sooner or later. If only he knew what Jared really was. I knew Leah had to know. So why hadn't she told him?

"You alright?" I heard Jared's voice and my heart skipped a beat. I turned around to see him shirtless walking towards me from the woods, immediately making me blush.

"I'm fine," I smiled, "Seth was just-"

"I know. I heard," he grinned, "A lot of people on the Rez who don't know the truth think Sam is running a gang or a cult. What he said didn't shock me, but you're not bothered at what he said about me are you? I mean, yeah, it's true, I was a little like Paul with being a player but I'm not anymore. I only have eyes for you."

I smiled and nodded, "I know. You'd better go though, before my dad looks out the window and sees you."

Jared nodded, "I'll come in once you're settled in your room for the night. Go inside." He turned and ran back to the woods and disappeared into the trees.

I sighed and went back to the house. Dinner and the afternoon just seemed to drag on. I ate quickly then finally at 6:30, I escaped to my room.

I quickly opened my window then went into my bathroom to make sure I looked ok and to get my pajamas on. When I returned, he was there, laying on my bed.

"That was fast," I giggled.

"Yeah, I was excited to cuddle with you again," he motioned for me to come over.

I blushed and got on the bed with him, laying my head on his bare chest. He was so warm, and his arm wrapped around me. Desire coursed through me, but I was still way too nervous to do anything about it. I wanted him to make the first move for everything so I wouldn't screw up.

"Who would've thought we'd be sleeping together this soon," he grinned at me.

"Jared," I laughed and blushed a lot.

"I'm guessing you liked riding on my back when I was a wolf huh?"

I nodded shyly, "It was fun. A lot of fun."

"I could tell," he chuckled, "Since you laughed the whole way. I could take you for a ride everyday if you want."

I smiled, "Let's wait for your pack to catch the vampire first."

He nodded and I yawned. I was shocked at how tired I was. I wanted to stay up, to make sure he wouldn't leave.

"You tired?"

"A little."

"Well then sleep, beautiful," he rubbed my back sending chills up my spine.

"No," I protested.

"Why not?"

I didn't answer, just snuggled closer. He held me tighter, which was what I wanted. I fought the heaviness that was coming over my eyes

He seemed to read my mind, "You can sleep, Kim. I'll still be here when you wake up."

I couldn't stay awake after those words. I began to drift off and I felt him gently pull a blanket over us.

"Sweet dreams, my Kim," I vaguely heard him whisper and he kissed my forehead.

Thank you for the reviews :) I tried to make this chapter long and good for you guys. 3 more reviews and I'll update sooner.