I'm The One I Should Love

Over the next few weeks, you learned 3 things:

1. Seth was a shapeshifter.

2. He was also your soulmate.

3. He didn't know witches existed and you didn't know how to tell him.

You weren't sure how you were supposed to tell him that not only witches exist, but that his very own imprint was one. You and Seth had grown close over the past few weeks, especially after he told you about imprinting and you realized he really was your soulmate. You saw each other almost every day and texted each other constantly, so keeping your secret had been pretty hard. Not only did you want to tell him, but keeping your powers hidden had been difficult. The whole pack didn't know witches existed but with their mind link, you knew as soon as Seth found out, the others would too. 

"What are you thinking about?" Seth's voice drew you from your thoughts. You looked over from where you sat next to him on the log. You were currently at the beach with the pack, sitting around the bonfire as most of the boys were rough housing not too far away and the girls sat across from you, chatting amongst themselves.

"Oh, nothing," you smiled at him. You couldn't tell him here. Especially not in front of everyone.

"You sure? You looked pretty deep in thought," he was always so observant when it came to you. He watched your every move, as if enamored with everything you did.

"Yeah, it's not important," but it was. You just didn't have the heart to tell him yet. You were scared that he'd be freaked out, even though deep down you knew he'd still care for you. 

"It's you. Of course it's important," he smiled as he reached over, grabbing your hand.

"It's really not," you squeezed his hand, glancing over at the girls who weren't very far away. He followed your gaze before standing up, pulling you with him. 

"Let's go for a walk," he smiled and told everyone what the two of you were doing before heading towards the forest trail, your hands intertwined. When you got a good distance away, he stopped and turned to you, "Okay. It's just the two of us. What's really going on? Something is bugging you,  I can tell." 

"It's nothing, Seth," you began again, squeezing his hand again, "It's not that big of a deal."

"If it wasn't, then you would tell me," he said, grabbing your other hand in his, pulling you closer to him, "Please, you can tell me anything."

"I… I guess I'm nervous. What I have to tell you… it's a lot," you waited as he just looked at you, waiting for you to continue, "You're probably going to freak out on me."

"I won't freak out," he said, laughing slightly as he shook his head.

"Okay…" You didn't know how to begin. You've never had to tell anyone outside the coven that you were a witch. "Do you believe in magic?"

"I'm a shape-shifting warrior who fights vampires," he looked at you as if the answer was obvious, "I think on some level, yeah, magic has to exist."

"Not the magic that causes you to shapeshift," you began, letting go of his hands, "but kind of like you see in the movies. Like witches and warlocks."

"Why are you asking me this?"

"I guess…" you sighed, walking a little away in thought before turning back to him, "Do you believe people who use magic exist?"

"I can't say I know it does, but yeah, I guess if werewolves and vampires exist, then witches could too," he shrugged, looking at you, "Why?"

"I am," you said, stepping closer and talking quietly, "A witch, I mean. I'm a witch."

"A witch? You? Right," he laughed slightly, shaking his head, "____, I think I know you well enough to know you're human."

"I'm not, not really. I am a witch, I've just kept it hidden from you," you grimaced as you looked at him, waiting for him to speak. You watched him watch you for what seemed like ages before he opened his mouth again.

"I…Are you being serious?" He asked carefully, not wanting to upset you when he didn't want to believe you, "Like 100% serious right now?"

"Yes, Seth, I'm not joking," you said, crossing your arms, "I didn't want to tell you. I was afraid of what you would think but I don't want to keep it from you anymore. I'm tired of hiding who I am from my soulmate. That's what you are, by the way. My soulmate. Just like I'm your imprint."

"I mean, I guess I understand why you hid it," he sighed, running his hand through his hair, "but it wouldn't change how I feel about you. You're my other half, human or not." He stepped forward, grabbing your hand and pulling you towards him, "I mean, if you're being serious, that's kind of cool. My imprint is a witch?"

"Yeah… you don't want me to prove it to you?" You were shocked. He was taking this pretty well, but Seth had always been more accepting of the vampires than the rest of his pack, so you suppose a witch wasn't too far stretched in his mind.

"I mean, I'd love to see it, but I don't think you'd ever lie to me like that, so if you don't want to show me yet, I understand," he hugged you against him, smiling down at you. 

"I'd love to show you," you muttered quietly, wrapping your arms around his neck and reaching up, planting a gentle kiss against his lips, "How did I get such a good soulmate?"

"About that," he began, a smirk gracing his features, "I'm your soulmate, huh? How long have you known?"

"I had a feeling the first time I met you,  but I knew for sure when you told me about the imprint bond and your shifting," you smiled as he hugged you tighter, "I'm really happy you're not upset with me."

"I could never be upset at you for something like this, ____," he smiled down at you, brushing your hair out of your face with his hand, "I love you, no matter what."

"I love you too, Seth." You blushed slightly, as it was the first time you both spoke those words to each other.

"I've been wanting to tell you that for a while, just didn't want to scare you," he mumbled, blushing as well, "It's nice to know that you feel the bond as strongly as I do."

"I've been wanting to tell you, too. I just didn't want to say it until you knew the truth."

"Should we head back? I'm sure the pack is wondering where we are," he jerked his head towards the beach as he spoke.

"Yeah… should we tell them tonight about me?" You worried that they wouldn't accept you like Seth did. 

"Only if you want to," he said, kissing your forehead gently.

You had trouble sleeping that night, tossing and turning all night. The clock turned midnight and you heard a rock hit your window. You sighed, getting up and looking out the window to see Embry standing there, shirtless and in just shorts, even barefoot. You sighed, opening the window.

"What do you want?" You called quietly, not wanting to wake up anyone in the house.

"Can I come in?" He asked, staring at you.

"I don't think that's a good idea," you didn't want to let him in.  He hurt you tremendously and you couldn't stand to look at him right now.

"I want to properly apologize and explain myself," he said, leaning against the window sill and giving you puppy dog eyes, "Please let me in, _____."

"Fine, but you have to be quiet," you stepped aside, letting him climb through the window, shutting it behind him. "You have ten minutes and then I'm kicking you out."

"It's going to probably take longer than that, but I'll try," he sighed, running a hand through his now short hair. You kinda missed his long hair and the way it flowed down his back. "I don't even know where to begin. I guess I'll begin with saying I'm really sorry."

"You said that already," you pointed out, crossing your arms.

"I won't ever be able to say it enough," he said softly, looking at you, "You looked beautiful tonight and I… I messed up. I had to stay away from you, for your safety. I'm really sorry that I hurt you and I'll spend forever making it up to you if you'll let me."

"What changed?" You asked.

"What?"

"You said you had to stay away for my safety. What changed so much that you're here now," you waited for an answer as he began to pace.

"Have you ever heard of the legends of my tribe?" You shook your head at his words, him sighing before continuing, "This is going to be more difficult… So, they say we are descended from spirit warriors."

"Spirit warriors?"

"Yeah, like… shapeshifters but only wolves," he said, turning to look at you, "When vampires would come into our territory, it would cause a few warriors to change to fight the vampires off."

"Vampires? Right," you said, shaking your head.

"Yes, vampires," he continued, "Not every generation had spirit warriors but… this one does."

"So, you're trying to tell me that there are shapeshifters that turn into wolves in your tribe to fight these so-called vampires," you laughed uncomfortably, "Right. If you didn't want to go with me, all you had to do was say so. You don't need to lie or come up with this ridiculous story."

"I'm not lying and it's not a story," he sighed frustratingly, "I'm telling the truth! I'm one of them."

"Okay, say I believe you, why tell me now?" You asked, raising an eyebrow at him. 

"Well, there's more," you hummed as he continued to speak, "We have these things called imprints. They are like… the other half of our soul. It's like our soulmate, our air, our entire world. When we meet eyes for the first time, it's like they're the ones holding us down to the earth."

"What does this have to do with why you're telling me?"

"You're my imprint," he said plainly, as if it was obvious.

"You must have lost your mind," you began, opening the window, "You need to leave."

"Let me prove it to you," he said desperately, grabbing your hand and you could feel how warm his skin was, "Come with me and let me show you."

"Why should I trust you?"

"You did once before. Please, let me show you and if you still want nothing to do with me..  then I'll leave you alone," he spoke as if just saying the words hurt him. You sighed, nodding and climbing out the window with him. He grabbed your hand, leading you into the forest and through the trees until it came to a small clearing. He came to a stop and let go of your hand, turning towards you, "Just wait here, please?" You sighed and nodded before he turned and went into the forest. You heard the crunch of leaves as something emerged from the darkness where Embry had just gone. Out walked a huge wolf, gray in color with dark spots on its back. You gasped, taking a step back but tripping and falling to the ground. The wolf whined and stepped forward so you held your hand up.

"Don't get closer," you called out, picking yourself off the ground. Your hands were shaking and you could feel fear creep in. You looked over at the wolf who laid down and looked up at you, seeing Embry's eyes mirrored in the wolf's eyes. You swallowed hard and stepped forwards, your hand held out to him. You reached him and placed your hand near his face, gasping slightly as he nudged your hand with his snout. You sighed as you sat in front of him, petting him gently. "Okay, I think you need to change back. We need to talk." He got up, turning and trotting into the trees again before coming back out in his human form. "How long have you been like this?"

"Not very long. Right after I asked you to the dance, I suppose." He walked up to you, putting his hands in his pockets as he looked down at you, "I'm really sorry. It was supposed to be a secret that no one but our imprint could know. I didn't know you were mine until tonight."

"I understand, I guess," you replied, hugging your arms around yourself, "I mean, I can't fault you for something you can't help."

"I still should have told you I couldn't go," he said softly, looking away, "I just didn't want to see your disappointment so I thought it'd be easier if you hated me."

"I could never hate you, Embry," you replied, holding out your hand for him to take, "I could be upset with you but I could never hate you."

"Never? That's a long time to commit to," he smiled as he took your hand, squeezing it gently.

"Yeah," you smiled back, "Can we head back now? We can talk more tomorrow but I've got to get some sleep tonight and it's already after midnight."

"Oh, right, sorry," he smiled sheepishly and led you back to your house. He helped you through the window before speaking again, "So, I'll see you tomorrow?"

When Embry had asked you to the school dance, you were elated. You had liked him for so long and the thought that maybe he liked you back was bewildering. You had gone shopping for a new dark blue knee-length dress and matching heels. You had done your makeup and curled your hair, just for this special night. You currently sat on your porch bench, looking at the time. You were ready a little early so you weren't too worried that he wasn't here yet. Several minutes passed and it hit six-thirty, the time he was supposed to pick you up. You waited to hear his mom's car drive up the driveway, but when it hit seven, when the dance began, and there was no car in sight, you began to worry. What if he wasn't coming? What if something had happened on the way over? You took your phone, dialing his number but it went straight to voice-mail. That was unusual. He always answered your calls. At seven-thirty, you accepted he wasn't coming but still sat out on the porch, feeling heartbroken at his absence. At eight-forty, a truck started to pull into the driveway, one you recognized as Jacob's. He parked and got out, wearing a tux and tie.

"He didn't show, I take it?" He asked gently, coming to sit beside you. 

"No… he didn't come," you sighed, looking down at your hands.

"You look beautiful, you know," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm so stupid," you replied, tears coming to your eyes, "Why did I get my hopes up?"

"It's not like him to do this," he began, reaching over to grab your hand, "But he has been acting differently lately. I saw him with Sam's group earlier today. I had a feeling that he wouldn't show."

"I feel so stupid," you began crying, wiping furiously at your wet eyes.

"You're not stupid, he is," he replied, squeezing your hand, "He's missing out on a beautiful and great girl. That's his loss." 

"Yeah? Then why do I feel so crappy?" You sniffled, wiping at your eyes again.

"You know what? It's a shame nobody got to see you all dressed up like this," he spoke, letting go of your hand and pulling his phone out, "Let me call Quil and his cousin. We can get a group together to hang out at the beach."

"I don't really feel like going anywhere," you sighed, looking over at him. 

"It'll make you feel better, I promise!" You caved and let him call Quil, making plans to meet at the beach. He got you loaded into his truck and drove down to the beach. When you got there you saw Quil, his cousin, and a few of your friends from Forks. You smiled at how everyone came dressed up like you. "See, already a smile."

"Okay, I do feel a little better," you replied before getting out of the truck and making your way down to the beach where the others started a small bonfire.

"Hey, ______!" Quil came over and gave you a hug, "Glad you could come! I'm sorry for how Embry is acting. He's being a jerk."

"Thanks," you smiled sadly, sitting down on one of the logs that surrounded the bonfire, Quil joining one side and Jacob the other side. You spent the next hour laughing and joking around with everyone. As you looked out to the distance, you saw Embry and Sam's group walking to another fire pit. 

"Did you hear me?" You were brought back by Jacob's words, watching as he followed your eyesight and spotted Embry. He got Quil's attention before they started to get up. You reach out, putting a hand on both of their arms.

"It's not worth it, guys," you tried to stop them from going over but Jacob just brushed you off.

"Like hell it isn't," he sounded angry and stomped his way over to the group, you and Quil on tow trying to stop him. As you got closer, you heard them all joking around and laughing before one of them, Paul you think, nudged Sam and pointed out you approaching. Sam came forward, meeting Jacob just outside the group.

"What do you need?" Sam spoke quietly, watching Jacob before looking over and Quil and you, "It's best you leave."

"I don't have anything to say to you," Jacob said loudly, glaring over Sam's shoulder at Embry who had just noticed everyone, "I have a bone to pick with that jerk over there." You sighed, putting your hand on Jacob's arm again, trying to pull him away.

"I think we should listen to Sam," you said, Quil nodding beside you, "It's not worth it."

"Saying it's not worth it is saying you aren't worth it," Jacob turned to you, a scowl on his face. He huffed and turned back, "I want to speak with Embry."

"You should listen to the girl," Sam said, "Just turn around and leave."

"It's alright, Sam," Embry said, stepping beside Sam, "I'll be fine." Sam watched him for a little bit before nodding, walking back to the group, "What do you need, Jacob?"

"What do I need? I need you to explain how you could even fathom treating _____ like you did tonight," Jacob spoke loudly, pushing Embry's chest.

"I can't," Embry said softly, avoiding looking at any of the three of you. 

"You can't or you won't," Jacob challenged, "What you did tonight is unforgivable. I can't believe how big of a jerk you're being."

"Jacob, can we just go," you asked quietly, pulling on his arm once again, "I just want to go home."

"Not yet," Jacob replied, glaring at Embry, "Not until he apologizes." He waited for Embry to say something but nothing came out of his mouth, "Well?"

"I… I'm sorry, _____," Embry looked over at you but you avoided looking at him,  "I can't explain but… I am really sorry." You sighed, finally looking up at him. You saw him freeze as he caught your gaze, his mouth opening as if to say something but nothing came out.

"There, he said it," you looked back to Jacob, "Can we go now?"

"Almost," Jacob said, pulling back his arm and punching Embry across the cheek, knocking him onto the ground as he was still looking at you and didn't see it coming, "Now we can go." You saw Sam's group watching, coming over when Embry went down, looking pissed. Jacob turned around and grabbed your hand, pulling you away with Quil in tow.

"Why did you punch him?" You asked as Jacob took you to his truck, saying goodbye to Quil before getting in to drive you home.

"Because he deserved it," he said plainly, shrugging his shoulders. You looked over as he gripped his fist in his lap, "That hurt like a bitch, though."

"Thank you for defending my honor," you smiled slightly at him, shaking your head before looking out the window.

You knew your soulmate was a shapeshifter. Being a witch had its perks sometimes and one of those was finding information on your soulmate before actually meeting them. The powers that came with being a witch were pretty cool too, but you really just wanted to meet your other half. You knew he was a shapeshift, most likely canine, and that he lived on the west coast. You spent the last few months traveling the west coast but to no avail, you still hadn’t met him yet. You hadn’t even met any shifters to begin with. Plenty of vampires and some other witches, but no shapeshifters. You finally stopped in La Push, hearing a rumor from a vampire that their legends said they were descended from wolves. You figured if anyone were to be a shapeshifter, it’d be them. That’s how you found yourself at the little diner in the small reservation. You sat back into the booth along the wall so that you could see everyone that came in.

“Good morning,” a waitress came over, a name tag on her shirt stating her name was Kim, “How are you today?”

“I’m good, thank you, and you?” You really weren’t sure what you were going to do about everything. Even if you met them, would you really want to settle down?

“I’m good, thank you for asking!” She seemed pretty nice and peppy, “What can I get you to drink?”

“Water is fine,” she walked off and was gone for a minute before she returned with your glass, setting it in front of you.

“Are you ready to order?” She asked politely.

“Not quite, but I do have a few questions,” you replied, setting the menu down and looking at her, “It’s not about the menu, though.”

“Uh, sure, what’s up?

“Are there any hiking trails near here?” you wanted to know where the most popular spots were. Shapeshifters wouldn’t bother going near them, “I’m new to town and  kind of wanted to go sightseeing, but I’m more of an animal enthusiast. I want to know where the animals are more prominent and the people aren’t.”

“Um, I’m not really sure, I guess,” she looked uncomfortable, like she was hiding something, “We don’t really get visitors out this way. There are too many dangerous animals around, like bears.”

“Any wolves?” you asked, watching as she shifted from one foot to the next.

“I mean, sure, but why?” her eyes were narrowed in thought as she looked at you quizzically.

“Well, I study them,” you were lying through your teeth but you had to find out if there were any wolves in the area that might be shapeshifters.”

“I’d leave the wolves alone,” she said sharply. You heard the door open and looked over to see a group of tall men walk in and make their way to a booth, some stopping and saying hi to Kim. She turned back to you, “We don’t like it when people mess with our wildlife here.”

“I just study their behaviors, it’s not like I get near them or anything,” you replied, wondering why she was getting so defensive. She kept looking over at the men, who looked like they were intensely reading the menu, which was pretty odd considering they look to be locals and they knew Kim. 

“I couldn’t help but overhear,” one of the men joined Kim, standing beside her, “and she’s right. I’m part of the wildlife preservation team here. We don’t like people around the wildlife. It can upset the balance of nature.” He was tall and had a tattoo on his arm. Now that you looked, all of the men had the same tattoo on their arm. Weird. You silently cast a spell, reading their energy and realizing something seemed off. They weren’t completely human, but they weren’t witches or vampires either. Are these the shifters you were searching for? You had never met one before so you didn’t know what their energies felt like. “You understand?” 

“I’m sorry?” you were brought from your thoughts at his words, not sure when you had zoned out and what exactly he had said.

“I said if I were you, I’d stay away from the woods,” he repeated, staring down at you, “It’s too dangerous.”

“And you are?”

“Sam Uley,” you stuck your hand out as if to shake his hand, he returned it but you felt him burning up. It was like his skin was on fire. He let go as quickly as he could.

“Sam. I appreciate the concern,” you started, looking over to the other men who were all focused on your conversation now before looking back at him, “But I can take care of myself.”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you, outsider,” he said before walking back to the table.

“Are you ready to order now?” Kim said, her face telling you she wanted to exit the conversation too.

“Sure, I’ll just have the pancakes and eggs, over easy,” you handed her the menu. When she walked away, you reached into your bag, pulling out your phone. You texted your coven leader about what happened, and how you thought they were the shapeshifters. After sending the text, you heard someone clear their throat. You looked up, catching the gaze of the most handsome man you had ever seen. He was tall and kind of gangly but looked like he was starting to fill out with muscles. You saw him freeze for a moment before he smiled brightly, sitting across from you.

“I’m sorry about them!” he reached his hand over the table, holding it out for you to take, “I’m Seth Clearwater.” You shook his hand, feeling a shock when you did, and let go quickly.

“______,” you replied, clearing your throat, trying not to show the touch bothered you.

“So, what brings you around these parts?” he asked, still smiling.

“Searching for something,” you felt like you could be honest with him, like he was pulling it out of you against your will.

“Something? Like what?” 

“More like someone,” you muttered, looking down at your hands.

“Oh, someone?” he cocked his head to the side as he looked at you, “Who?”

“It’s hard to explain.”

“I’ve been told I’m a good listener and catch on easily,” he looked like he was really interested in what you had to say.

“It’s complicated and probably will sound stupid,” you insisted, not wanting to reveal to him but at the same time the words wanted to come tumbling from your lips.

“Nothing you say could sound stupid,” he looked a little love-struck to you, and it kind of made you nervous, “I… I mean, I’m sure it’s not stupid.”

“Okay, I’m looking for my soulmate,” you replied quickly, the words coming out like vomit, leaving a bad taste in your mouth.

“Your soulmate?” he smiled again, humming to himself, as if he knew a secret, “That’s a little cheesy, isn’t it?”

It feels like it has been forever since you last saw Seth. You had been visiting your parents for the last two weeks, reluctantly. You had a rocky relationship with them but your grandma insisted that they had changed over the last few months that you had been living with her. They did seem to be happier together, not arguing the entire time you had been visiting them. They had been going to therapy together and had worked a lot on themselves and their relationship. You had actually enjoyed yourself but you still missed Forks and spending time with Seth. You hadn’t known him for very long, less than a year, and it took you awhile to accept what he was, but over the last few months he had become one of the best things about living in Forks. You got off the plane in Port Angeles, making your way to the conveyor belt to grab your luggage. You waited for your luggage and grabbed it, making your way to the front where your grandmother was waiting for you. You hadn’t told Seth when you were coming back, as you wanted to surprise him. He had texted you the entire time you were gone, about how he missed you and couldn’t wait for you to get back.

“Hey, sweetie!” your grandma called as she saw you, coming to give you a hug.

“Hey, grandma! I’m so glad to be back,” you hugged her back gently. You grabbed your luggage and followed her grandma to her car, putting your luggage into the back trunk. You got into the car before she spoke again.

“Have you told Seth you were coming back?” She asked as she pulled onto the highway, heading out of Port Angeles on the drive to Forks.

"Not yet," you replied, looking out the window as you spoke, "I wanted to surprise him."

"How is it going?"

"It's going good! He's been really sweet and caring," you smiled as you thought of him. He really had been caring and so sweet to you. It's like he was your boyfriend but he hadn't asked yet. You knew you were basically soulmates but you had yet to put a label on the relationship. You were too nervous to ask and he hadn't mentioned it yet so you just went along with the flow. 

"That's good. Have you made it official yet?" She was being nosy but she had good intentions so you just laughed gently.

"Not yet, I don't want to bother him with it and he hasn't said anything," you replied. "I guess I'm nervous he doesn't want to put a label on it. I mean, he seems to be happy with the way things are."

"Yeah, but is that what you want?" She asked, glancing over at you, "What you want is important, too."

"I know and I don't know what I want. I think I want a label but the thought kind of scares me, too," for reasons she couldn't say. You have come to accept him as he is, and you even come to love the idea that you two were meant to be together in some way or another, but the thought of being bound to someone, especially someone who could be dangerous, was scary to you. You knew he'd never hurt you on purpose, but the thought of what happened to Emily scared you. 

"Well, maybe you should talk it through with him. It may soothe those fears," she said, ending the conversation as she pulled into the driveway. You both got out and went to the back to grab your luggage, taking it inside the house to put it into your room. You went back into the living room, saying bye to your grandma before grabbing the keys and heading back to the car. You texted Emily about your plans so she could tell you where Seth was. She replied that he was at her house so you began driving, arriving there within 20 minutes. As you pulled into the drive, you saw Paul and Embry out in the yard messing around.

"_____! When did you get back?" Embry said, letting go of Paul and coming to give you a hug.

"Not too long ago," you replied, hugging him and then Paul, "I wanted to surprise Seth so I didn't say anything. Only Emily knew."

"He's going to be so happy to see you," Paul laughed, "He's been super money since you left." The thought that he missed you as much as you missed him warmed your heart and cheeks.

"Hey, guys, Emily said it's time for lun-" Seth came out, shirtless as always, stopping mid sentence when he saw you. He gasped slightly, moving quickly towards you, picking you up and spinning you around as he smiled, "You're back!" 

"Yeah, I wanted to surprise you," you laughed as your arms wrapped around his shoulders before he sat you down, just staring at you with that smile on his face.

"I'm so glad you're back! I've missed you so much," he never had trouble speaking his mind. He always said how he felt and never kept anything from you.

"I've missed you too," you replied, a blush covering your cheeks. He just smiled at you, wanting to look at you to make up for lost time.

"Alright, lovebirds," Paul spoke up, shaking his head, "Seth, let your girlfriend go and let's go eat."

"Oh, I'm not his girlf-"

"Just let me look at her for a while longer!" The two of you spoke at the same time, Seth freezing as he registered what you said, "Wait, what? You're not my what?"

"Uh, girlfriend," you said sheepishly. Paul and Embry stood there awkwardly as many emotions went across Seth's face, his hands falling from your waist. The two boys looked at Seth before making excuses and going inside.

"You don't think you're my girlfriend?" He spoke, his voice soft, a look of hurt in his eyes, "Then what do you think we are doing here?"

"I don't know," you said, rubbing your arms with your hands, closing in on yourself, "We've never talked about it."

"I just assumed… I thought you knew how I felt? Haven't I been forthcoming with you? I've always told you how I felt about you." His voice was rising slightly the more upset he got.

"You've never talked about labels before," you defended yourself, crossing your arms across your chest, "You've never asked."

"I didn't think I had to!" He was starting to shake slightly, kind of scaring you. "I mean, really, what do you think I meant when I told you I missed you or that I cared about you? I mean, I told you my secret. I told you everything and I told you that you were my soulmate. What more can you need?"

 "Clarification?" You stepped back as the boys came out of the house, Sam getting between the two of you, "I need you to say it, I guess? Maybe I wanted to hear it? Maybe I was second guessing myself?"

"You want to hear it?" He asked, pushing past Sam, "Fine. I love you, okay? I love you and I want to be with you. I want you to be mine and only mine. Is that what you want to hear?" You froze at his words, blushing at how forward he was being in front of everyone, "I want to call you my girlfriend. Hell, I want to call you my wife but I know it's too soon for that."

"O-okay," you said softly, your hand falling to your side, "I… I love you, too."

"You do?" He paused, a smile crossing his face, "Really?"

"Yeah," he walked forward, his hands cupping your face and pulling you in for your first kiss, kissing you gently on the lips. You wrapped your arms around his neck, his hands falling to your waist as he continued to kiss you. Pulling away, he just smiled down at you.

"So, you're my girlfriend, now?" He asked, hope in his eyes, "I can call you that, without you telling me you're not?" You laughed as you nodded, hugging him tightly. The rest of the boys went back inside, leaving the two of you alone again now that everything has calmed down. "So, you love me, huh?"

Seth and you had three more 'dates' since that first one. Each one was better than the last. The last date happened to be a week ago. You've been dying to see him again but school and life had been kicking your ass this week so you only got to communicate through text the last few days. He had to be one of the sweetest people you've ever met and always called you 'beautiful' when talking to you. You couldn't believe that someone as nice and sweet as him was focusing his attention on you. Your phone started ringing, pulling you from your thoughts. Looking down, you saw Seth's name pop up on your screen.

"Hey," you answered, smiling into the phone, "I was just thinking about calling you."

"Great minds think alike, beautiful," his voice sounded wonderful through the phone, his laugh making your heart race a little, "What are you doing tonight?"

"Seeing as it's finally Friday and I don't have school tomorrow, hopefully hanging out with you," you replied, your cheeks going warm at how forward but honest you felt you could be with him. He made you feel safe and warm and cared for. 

"That's what I was hoping for, too. There is a group of us getting together tonight for a bonfire. I was wondering if you'd like to go with me." He sounded nervous, as if you'd ever say no to him, "I know you haven't met my friends, but they're going to adore you,  I promise."

"I… I guess it wouldn't hurt to finally meet them," you replied, feeling anxious, "It has been over a month since we started hanging out."

"Sounds good! Would you like me to come pick you up, or do you want to meet me on the Rez at 7?"

"I'll just meet you! Saves you gas coming to pick me up and drop me back off," you responded. He said goodbye before hanging up, leaving you to your thoughts and worries about what you would wear tonight.

-

You arrived at the set time, dressed in a cute summer dress. Seth came running up to you, shirtless as always, something that always caused your cheeks to flush. 

"You came!" He said, reaching out to hug you. He's always so touchy, something you've been getting used to lately.

"As if I would stand you up," you joked with him, wrapping your arms around his torso shortly before letting go and stepping back, "I'll be honest, I'm kind of nervous about this."

"It'll be fine," he reassured you, taking your hand in his and leading you down to where everyone was gathered, "Everyone, this is ______. _____, this is everyone." He spent the next few minutes, pointing out who was who and telling you their names. Some you recognized from the diner that first day and you remembered Kim from your numerous trips there. 

"I hope our boy has been treating you well," one of the women, Emily, spoke softly, smiling at you, "We try to raise these boys with manners."

"Oh, he's been great," you replied, blushing as Seth squeezed your hand, smiling over at you. 

"That's good, we'd have a problem if he wasn't," Sam spoke curtly, but the smile on his face showed he was joking.

The rest of the night went by quickly before a few more older men joined, beginning to tell stories around the bonfire. They were legends of the tribe, one standing out the most, about the tribe being descended from shape-shifters. You smiled as you listened, enchanted by the stories. After the bonfire ended, Seth asked you to walk along the trail with him, not wanting the night to end.

"So, did you enjoy yourself tonight?" Seth asked as you walked, your hands intertwined together. 

"I did! Everyone was so nice and the stories the Elders told were mesmerizing," you replied.

"I'm glad. I really wanted you to meet everyone, you know?" He looked into the distance, like he was trying to work up the courage to say something.

"I could tell it was important to you," you waited for him to say something but he was just silent for what seemed like forever, "Is something on your mind?"

"There is something I've got to tell you… but it's going to be hard to hear," he said softly, coming to a stop and letting go of your hand.

"Is something wrong? Did I do something?" You immediately began worrying about what you could have done to upset him tonight. Were you not social enough? Did someone not like you? Was he going to end whatever was going on between the two of you? 

"No! You could never, beautiful," he spoke quickly, trying to shut down the insecure thoughts. "It's something about me that I need to tell you about but it's… I don't know how to begin."

"You can tell me anything, Seth."

"The legends, about us being descended from spirit warriors," he began quickly, not sure how else to say what needed to be said, "It's not just legends."

"What do you mean?" You were very confused. This definitely wasn't anything you thought he was going to say.

"We are. Descended from spirit warriors, I mean." He could tell you weren't really following what he was saying, "The stories, about the shape-shifters? They're all true. That stuff really happened and is real."

"I'm not following, I guess," you took a step back, "So your ancestors were shapeshifters? That's impossible."

"It's not. They really were and some chosen few still do today," he explained, holding out his hand for you to grab but yours just hung at your side as you tried to wrap your head around what he was saying, "Say something, please?"

"What do you want me to say? You sound crazy right now, Seth," he had to be joking, right? This was just an elaborate joke he was playing on you,  "You're saying that shapeshifters are real and that some of you are wolves to this day… Why tell me this?"

"Because… I am one as well," he said sheepishly, trying to put on a smile for you, "I'm a wolf."

"That's ridiculous. This is a joke, right? Please tell me this is a joke, Seth." He smiled sadly at you, dropping his hand to his side.

"I wish I could but this is real," he cleared his throat, "M-Maybe I should just show you?"

"Show me? You mean change right here right now?" You looked around, "Are you crazy? This is just great! I was really starting to like you,  Seth."

"I like you, too. That's why I'm telling you this," he said quickly, "I don't want to lose you but I need you to know the whole truth of what I am and what you mean to me. It’d just be easier if I show you. I’ll be right back.” Before you could say anything, he rushed off behind the trees. Part of you wanted to just walk off away from this crazy talk, but the other part of you, the part that could feel the connection you had with Seth, made you stay. You heard noises from behind the trees before a large wolf stepped out. Your eyes widened as you took in the sandy colored wolf before you.

“O-Okay… so you’re not lying,” you replied shakily, taking a step back from the wolf who looked at you with Seth’s eyes. You felt your stomach drop as fear took a hold of you but something inside of you told you that you were still safe with him. He disappeared once more, returning back in human form before you could begin to process what just happened.

“I’m sorry it took me this long to tell you,” he began, stepping forward towards you. You were frozen in place as you looked at him, “I didn’t want… I don’t want you to hate me.”

“I… I could never hate you, Seth. I’ll be honest, I’m a little freaked out,” you replied, your mouth feeling dry from your mouth hanging open for too long, “But I don’t hate you. I’m a little scared.”

“I’d never hurt you!” he spoke quickly, reaching out and grabbing your hands, “That’s the last thing I’d ever want to do. That’s the other part. You remember the story about the imprints?”

“Yeah, the chief and his wife, right?” Seth squeezed your hands, pulling you towards him.

“You’re mine,” he said plainly, not sugar coating it at all, “You’re my imprint. You’re my soulmate.”

“O-Oh…” You didn’t know what to say. As he explained what that meant, everything started to make sense, like why you felt such a strong connection to him. You supposedly were meant to be.

“I know it’s a lot to take in,” he began, wrapping his arms around your waist as you still just stood there, “I’ve just dropped a whole lot on you.”

“You certainly have,” you replied, trying to find a deep breath,”But I think I’m okay.” 

“Yeah? You’re not too freaked out?”

“I mean, yeah, a little… but it kind of makes sense,” you rested your hands on his arms that were around your waist, “I’ll need a little time to get used to everything, but I’m not going anywhere at the moment if that’s what you’re worried about. Can I go home now? I just need to think all this over.” 

“Of course!” he nodded, letting go of you and stepping back, “Can I drive you home? We can come get your car another day, I just don’t want you driving like this.” You nodded, allowing him to lead you to his friend’s truck that he was borrowing. You got in and buckled up. The ride home was silent as you mulled everything over. When you arrived home, you both got out and he walked you to the door. “Will I see you later?”