Chapter four

I sat in Quil's lap, while he sat on Sam and his fiancé Emily's couch (both I'd just been officially introduced to). Sam was explaining everything to us, and I do mean everything. We'd been here for hours, it was going on 2 in the morning. Everyone had left by now but Embry, Sam, Emily, Quil and I.

Embry had wasted no time gathering me in his arms as soon as we'd walked through the door, apologizing profusely to Quil and I. He explained the Alpha order he was under to not communicate with us and why it was necessary. Ever since he hadn't left my side. Even when it was clear he was exhausted and bored having probably already heard the things we were discussing a million times. He couldn't know how much that meant to me.

I'd also come to realize Sam and Emily were actually great people, much to my guilty conscious's dismay. I'd spent all this time despising Sam Uley for "corrupting, manipulating, and stealing" my only friends. When in reality he was just a teenager forced into giving up his life and dreams to protect people who didn't even know of or appreciate that protection. Then before he'd truly had time to adjust, he was thrust into the Alpha role and meant to look after, teach and lead a bunch of violate teenage boys whose emotional outburst were much deadlier than normal pubescent tantrums. I felt extra guilty for my past contempt toward him, after finding out just how much he'd sacrificed for the pack and our people.

Their people I mean, It's hard remembering I'm not actually Quileute some times, and actually an outsider. I'd basically grown up on the reservation, spending more time in La Push than Forks by far. All my friends were Quileute and I knew the reservation better than I'd ever know Forks. My Uncle Billy had made sure I grew up hearing the legends too, not just Jacob. It made me sad to remember that even though I considered this my home, technically I'd never be a member unless I married a Quileute.

Although according to our new topic of conversation; Imprinting. That's not too far off.

"So basically it's love at first sight, but much more intense?" I asked trying to make sure I was processing this correctly. Sam shook his head.

"No, im sorry I forgot to explain the fundamentals. Every imprinted wolf will do anything, be anything for their imprint yes, but it's more to it than that. We all experience strong loyalty and admiration for them, also the saftey of the imprint is always top priority for every imprinted wolf. Those things are universal to the imprint, but it does not manifest feelings. If the imprint is unknown to the shifter at the time of imprint like Emily was to me, that's where the onslaught ends. The romantic feelings for her I developed naturally like anyone would in any relationship. It was just very apparent once those feelings started developing that they are heightened, more intense due to the imprint. Even when Jared recently imprinted on Kim. He's had a huge crush on her, liked her for years before the change. It didn't matter though, after his imprint he still didn't love her. But when you are already in love, it is so much more. I had no idea exactly how much so until I saw it happen with you two today. Quil when you imprinted, Bella was already the center of your universe, and like I said the imprint intensifies the emotions you feel toward your imprint. I saw in your head as it happened, that's the only reason I can even begin to understand it. For example, the imprints safety is always top priority to us, but it was clear right away that you needed to protect Bella in every way. You'd wanted to before, but now you need that. You loved everything about Bella, you thought the world of her before. After though , she is your world. There is no greater love than what you feel for her. It's all consuming, unconditional and irrevocable. The imprint made it harder for me to be away from Emily in the beginning, but I couldn't imagine you guys being able to stay apart for much longer than a patrol or work shift honestly. It eventually gets to that point for all the imprinted wolves and imprints, but it's amazing to see you at that stage immediately after imprinting. It took me months to get to that level of absolution. Jared still isn't even there and he imprinted like 3 months ago. I'd like to reinterate that for that to happen both of you had to of had very strong and sure emotions for each other beforehand." He finished. I smiled lovingly down at him from my place perched on his lap. He'd loved me just as much as I'd loved him. Not only that, but Taha Aki basically just told us we chose right. It's the most surreal feeling I have ever felt, knowing I'd found and fell in love with my soul mate, all on my own.
"I was going to tell you tonight, on the beach. That's what I was going to tell you before chucky showed up." He was just an inch or two away from my face as he confessed lowly. I held back tears smiling lovingly at him, then chuckled dryly at his nickname for Victoria.

"I know you guys are soulmates and all that but this shit is still freaky seeing you guys like this. I mean I knew Quil had a crush on you, but I thought you'd never give this beef cake a chance Iz." Em nudged my shoulder from his spot next to us on the couch. I laughed, I guess this would be kind of off putting for him. The last time he'd been with us we were just three best friends, now Quil and I were spiritually bounded soulmates in love making goggly eyes at each other.

"Jealous Em?" Quil said jokingly, smirking while he pulled me tighter to him.

"Yeah right, that's as good as my baby sister sitting in your lap asswipe. You'd better take damn good care of her." He said seriously, I smiled over at him as Quil waived him off with a yeah yeah. I scowled as his last words sunk in.

"Hey, I'm older than you!" Everyone laughed at my expense. Not that I minded, I ended up joining in too. I hadn't been this happy in so long. I was just happy to have Embry back. Emily yawned from her place curled into Sam's side on their love seat, I hadn't even noticed she'd fallen asleep. Sam looked down at her, and kissed her forehead.
"Alright guys, it's getting pretty late. I'm gonna get Emily to bed. Paul and Jake are patrolling until 7, go home and get some rest so you can relieve them then Embry. Quil you won't be on the patrol schedule for a few more weeks when your training is finished so you can go home and get some rest too, just meet me back here tomorrow around 12 since I've got some stuff to take care of in the morning. " Sam said gathering Emily's sleeping form into his arms more gently and gracefully than a man his size should be capable of. "And remember Quil, you'll need to limit the amount of people you're around right now. Your grandfather is an elder so he should be familiar with the signs of you loosing control, but be very careful around Bella, Charli-" Sam said but was interrupted by Quil.

"Everyone. I got it. You've only reiterate it a million times." He swatted a hand at the air.

"Alright, then. You guys ought get some rest too, we've got a spare bedroom and a couch if you guys wanna crash here you're welcome to do that as well. Te cuna Ahi." He said with ernest. Then he looked at me and seemed to only then remember I wasn't Quileute. "I'm sorry Bella, I didn't mean to be rude. I only sai-"

"You said, we're family now. Thank you, that means a lot." I said genuinely. He looked shocked to say the least.

"You know how to speak our Native language?" He asked surprised, outwardly showing how impressive he thought that was. I blushed.

"No, not really. Gramps has just been teaching me a few things when he has time."

"She's lying. She begged him to teach her so we couldn't make fun of her without her knowing anymore. That was what 7 or 8 months ago, and back then she made Old Quil give her lessons almost everyday. I couldn't imagine how much better she's gotten now that it's clear she's been spending much more time around the Aterea household than even then." Em started off with admiration and respect and ended teasingly before yawning widely. Another blush, okay time to get out of here. I hate when the attention is on me. I jumped up, pulling Quil with me by our interlocked fingers.

"Well, we'd better get going. Charlie will be checking on me soon I better make sure I was in bed." I lied. Charlie was working overnight in Seattle. He thought I was spending the night at Quil's tonight, and Quil had text gramps not to wait up as soon as Embry had given him his phone once we got to Sam's. But they didn't need to know that.

" Welcome to the pack again guys, it'll be nice not to get verbally assaulted by Em and Jake everyday because I'm keeping them for you now." We all laughed tiredly, "Jake and Embry talk and think of you guys so much it's like we already know you. You guys make sure to come along whenever you want so we can repay the favor, not just during your training Quil. Emily will absolutely love having you around Bella, her and Kim are friendly but not really friends yet. I know she misses female company." He said with a bit of guilt showing on his face. I wonder where that was coming from. It couldn't be his fault Emily didn't have girl friends right?

"Thank you, and I'll keep that in mind. I don't have any girlfriends really so it'll be nice to spend time with her for me too." I smiled a genuine smile at him, looking down at Emily's peacefully sleeping face. She really was very nice and welcoming to me, and I could see us becoming fast friends naturally.

"Thanks again for everything, I'll see you tomorrow." Quil said. Sam nodded then turned to Embry who was half slumped over on the couch we were just sitting on.

"You going home tonight Embry?" Sam asked.

"Does it look like it? See you guys later" Embry mumbled already half asleep while simultaneously stretching all the way out on the couch. I laughed watching his huge legs spill over the arm of the couch, it looked completely uncomfortable.

XXXX

We parked in front my house, and made our way up to the front door. I felt like I was on autopilot walking, while my mind was focused on processing all the new information I had just received. I stopped in front of the door, bending distractedly to grab the spare key under the matt, but Quil was already bending back up, unlocking the door. I blinked, still adjusting to his new speed and agility. Eventually I stopped blinking like an idiot and smiled at him as I stepped through the door.

I waisted no time at all taking my boots and jacket off, basically flinging them off. Suddenly I wasn't so distracted, I was determined to get my chaperone free night with Quil started. I grabbed his hand and pulled him up the stairs, he was very quick to follow. I closed my bedroom's door pushing him onto the bed. He fell back and made his eyebrows do that suggestive double bounce thing. I couldn't help my snort and laugh. He was so goofy, I was happy to see that even though he had just had to craziest night of his life, turning into a wolf, fighting a vampire, all while simultaneously finding out those those things are real, spiritually bonding with his brand new girlfriend, and all. But he was still him. Still my Quil. I couldn't help but admire his strength and selflessness not to be freaking out right now. I quickly walked over to my dresser and grabbed two pairs of Quil's plaid boxers, one of his white tee shirts and one of mine. I tossed him his.
"Hey, thanks." He smiled. I smiled back with a nod.
"No prob. I'm gonna go brush my teeth and wash my face I'll be right back." I said as I jogged into the bathroom. I didn't waste much time doing as much and changing, eager to get back to Quil to cuddle. I rushed through and closed my bedroom door, turning around as quickly as I could. I was about to turn the light off when I caught site of Quil in the middle of my bed. My hand faltered as I took in his large lean and muscular body. He hadn't put the shirt on of his I gave him instead he only wore the boxers. They had been baggy more shorts than underwear the last time he'd worn them. They were every bit underwear now basically clinging to his large thighs. He had always been a bit more muscular than most teenagers his age , but after the shift…. I could really see the difference. His toned chest and and abs led to an absolutely perfect v dip just above the waist line of those offending boxers. A moment ago I was thrilled at the site of him in the boxers, now I felt only disdain for them. They were hiding away the rest of him from me. He looked like a freaking demi God laying there, I could have drooled. As I noticed him smirking mischievously at me I tried to get a grip on myself.

"Don't worry baby, I like what I see too. Very much." He purred out, fuck that deep sexy voice was not helping me with the whole getting a grip thing. Neither was the look he was giving me, all of me as he drank me in. I hated when the attention was on me, but I couldn't help but appreciate Quil's attention. I didn't want to cowar and hide myself in embarrassment, I loved Quil's praise. It made me feel wanted and desired like I'd never thought possible. I felt confident underneath his piercing gaze. It was very true the imprint intensified our emotions, I was experiencing that as every minute ticked by. I moved forward quickly throwing myself into his arms almost desperate for his touch now.

"Good ." I replied back to him as I relished in his warm touch and embrace. He pulled me tight against him and I sighed contentedly.

"I know this day has just been the day that keeps on giving, with all the new information you've learned baby, but I have to tell you one more thing." Quil said squeezing me. I looked up at bid curiously. "Gramps helped me get my own place as an early graduation gift. Im supposed to be moving in on Friday." He said smiling. My eyes widened I hadn't expected him to say that. He had told me before that he thought it was time for him to be on his own, and he had much more in the bank than most adults on the rez let alone teenagers. So it had only been about finding a place that he liked, but I hadn't known he'd been looking so seriously.

"That's great Quil, I'm so happy for you. I know you've been wanting this! Where is it?" I asked excitedly.

"It's like right around the corner from Embry's house off Hill Rd, but it's on the north side of the road, almost completely inclosed in trees. It's not too small either, spacious for a rez house because it's new construction. Three bedrooms with a nice big back yard that leads into the forest. I wouldn't have gotten it in a million years if the owner hadn't grew up with Gramps, he gave me a great deal on it. Apparently he flips and builds houses all over Washington so it really is about who you know sometimes." He chuckled. I was smiling too, it sounded beautiful and perfect for Quil, especially with it being so close to the woods after just finding out Quil's a wolf shifter. Such good timing.

"I'm so happy for you Quil. You deserve it too, all the hard work you put in to graduate early, and now finding out you're a Protector." I sighed out happily. He'd be done with school this December, I wouldn't be far behind. My Counselor said early January I'd have my last credit needed.

"You're happy for us baby, it's your house too." He told me earnestly, but gently. My eyes widened, I hadn't considered that. I guess it would be. Eventually Quil and I were going to get married, we'd absolutely be living together soon, especially with the pull in full effect now. So this house he was telling me was moving in was absolutely the house we'd eventually be living in together. Having everything so absolute and not wondering or worrying if things may or may not work out in such a new relationship was both off putting and comforting beyond comparison.

"I hadn't thought of that, I guess it will be my home too soon." I smiled happily up at him.

"Hopefully sooner rather than later, I know it's only technically our first date tonight, but I'd love for you to move in with me the same day I move in." He said seriously, hopefully.

" It it crazy we've only just had our first date. I feel like I've been with you for years, I have to admit I love how the imprint deepens everything. It feels amazing to be able to feel so deeply for you. I wouldn't mind moving in with you this week at all actually, but I think that'd be a bit of a shock to my dad considering he doesn't even know we're dating yet. We'd better wait until after we both graduate for his sake." I finished, Quil pouted. "You know I'll be over and spending the night all the time anyway. It's like we live together already all the time we spend with each other, it'll only be worst now. It's just a pleasantry for my dad's sake." I leveled with him. He nodded in agreement and moved to rest his head in crock of my neck, breathing in my scent. We laid that way for a while his warm hands rubbing up and down my back under my shirt. I closed my eyes and let myself enjoy the feel of his warm touch and the heat sinking into my cool skin, warming and relaxing my tense muscles. I scooted closer to him, cuddling into his side as a strange sense of euphoria washed over me, from being this close to him. That had to be an effect of the imprint as well seeing as I'd never felt anything quite like it before. I looked up at Quil to see he was smiling with his eyes closed. I raised my hand to trace his cheek as he kept his eyes closed and seemed to savour my touch. He lifted his other hand and placed it on top of mine as he opened his eyes. He looked at me lovingly, yet unsure.
"Bells are you sure you are okay with all of this? I mean it's a lot to take in even for me, and you seem to be taking it so well." He asked as his eyebrows scrunched together in concern. I reached up and smoothed the forming 'V' away and leant up to softly kiss his cheek. He held me a little tighter.
"I am. It's a lot to take in like you said, I'll be processing all this information for days for sure. I'm not scared or deterred of you in the slightest tho. I've always known how selfless and courageous you are. If there was anyone who I would have to guess, would be a protector of La Push, it would be you. And finding out you're my soulmate has been the least surprising of all this, but completely endearing and awe invoking all the same. I'm so lucky to have found and loved my other half before I actually knew what you were to me. So yeah like I said, it's certainly a lot to process, but damn sure not nearly enough to scare me off sexy." I smirked at him. He looked as if I had actually taken his breath from him. He just looked at me wonderingly for a moment and then he was pulling me to him fiercely and crashing his warm lips to mine. I kissed him back feverishly as he rolled on top of me, pinning my body under his. I unlatched my arms from around his neck and let them roam his muscular planes. He groaned into my mouth as my hands roamed lower and lower. He was suddenly making his tongues way into my mouth while my hands continued roaming, while devouring his mouth. I was absolutely basking in the emotions he was evoking, the love, adoration, and passion mixing into a beautiful lustful cocktail. I couldn't think of anything outside of Quil right now, I didn't care about anything else. Not about werewolves and vampires. All I thought about was Quil. Quil. When Quil finally pulled away, we both gasped for air. His hands found their way to my face and he cradled it between them. He looked into my eyes deeply for a moment, as I starred straight back into his. He leaned down to place one more soft kiss onto my lips.
"You have no idea how much that means to me. How much you mean to me. I really don't care about anything anymore Bells, only you." He said. By now the tears that had begun to pool in my eyes, brimmed over and I raised my head to yet again place a soft kiss onto his lips. He smiled softly into the kiss.
"I love you Quil." I said. He reached a hand up and slowly wiped the tears that had escaped away and began kissing me again. Showing me just how much he loved me back. It started off soft and loving but it took no time heating up and morphing into one of need and desperation. I flung my leg all the way around him so that I was on top of him straddling his waist as his hands continued to roam my body. My heart rate was increasing and when his warm, rough hands brushed over my hardened nipples under my shirt I couldn't help but automatically grind my core down onto him as need over took me. I didn't think. I didn't do, i just felt. I felt Quil. His hands tugged at the bottom of my T-shirt and I pulled away only to yank my T-shirt off, tired of it being in the way of his skin. His hands which were already fondling my breast began to kneed and twist my nipples. I broke our kiss to throw my head back in ecstasy. He took advantage of my lapse in concentration and rolled me so that I was under him. I mewed in displeasure as he stopped momentarily staring seriously into my eyes. I knew what he was asking me. And the answer was yes, absolutely fucking yes. I was his, he could have me in every way be wanted me. And I'd bask in every second of it.

"Make love to me Quil."