The Imperfect Imprint {Jakeward}

"That can be arranged," Paul chuckled, kissing the back of Stiles' hand as they re-entered the ring of firelight.

"Oh god! You're kissing now?" Embry laughed, wrinkling his nose as they moved closer.

"Great! Now you'll be even more unbearable..." Jared joked, throwing his hands up. "Like Jake and Edward aren't bad enough."

"Hey!" Jake scolded, tossing a stick at Jared's head. "Sam and Emily are just as bad!"

"Don't remind me," Jared grumbled.

Paul and Stiles took a seat in their original places, but much, much closer to each other this time. Paul pulled Stiles close to his side as they shared several deep looks and soft kisses. I was relieved Stiles had come to his senses and realized that he deserved this. His thoughts were ninety percent happy, while the other ten percent was focused on the feel of Derek's stare and feeling guilty. But Derek wasn't angry, he was just happy that Stiles was happy, even if I wasn't with him. He was, however, wondering what this would mean for their pack.

"They look happy," Scott murmured beside us, staring at the new couple.

"They are," I nodded, smiling at him. "They don't have everything figured out yet... but they're happy."

"That's all we've ever wanted for him," Scott gave a lopsided grin. I knew he meant himself and Derek. "Now it's time for the grumpy one to find his." His chin jerked towards the brooding alpha across the circle who was lost in his own thoughts.

"Indeed," I replied absently. I wondered if that happy ending would ever come for him, the man whose mind looked so tortured and hopeless. The way mine once looked, but for far different, less painful reasons. I hoped so.

We sat on the beach, laughing and talking well into the night. At some point we stopped feeding the flames, the sleepy group watching them silently as they turned to coals and flickered out. Sam gave everyone a night off from patrols, sending them home to get some rest. The feeling of relief was tangible as we all said our goodbyes, sluggishly making our separate ways home. Jake and I were heading back his house when he suddenly spoke up.

"Let's go to your house tonight," he yawned, tugging on my arm. His big, sleepy brown eyes looked up at me and I couldn't help the warm feeling in my chest.

"Of course love," I nodded, before sweeping him up and into my arms bridal style. He let out a breathy laugh and leaned his head against my chest as his eyelids slid shut. I ran us home in minutes, laying myself down in the bed with him still cradled in my arms. I wasn't quite ready for him to move yet. His head muzzled into my neck and I couldn't help the wide smile on my face at his unconscious affection. Getting to spend the rest of eternity with this man is an absolute gift.

* * * *

"When are they going to be here?" Alice whined, an unhappy pout on her face. She was anxious to meet our new friends, and hated not being able to see what would happen.

"Not long now... I can hear Stiles thoughts," I tried to calm her. His thoughts would be the loudest, Jake commented in his thoughts.

I could practically picture the boy bouncing up and down in the passenger seat of Derek's Camaro. We're about to meet an entire coven of vegetarian vampires! He grinned excitedly at Derek, Scott, and a third one with golden curls who must be Isaac. They all rolled their eyes at Stiles fondly.

All of my family was scattered around the living room while we waited for our guests to arrive. Jake was chatting animatedly with Emmett about whatever sports game was on tv. A few of their heads snapped around at the sound of tires on the driveway a few moments later. Derek's car rolled to a stop in front of the house, and he shut it off as they all stared open mouthed at our home. Well- all except Derek. It seems he's used to large houses and money. He was the first to get out of the car, followed by the other two werewolves and then an overly excited, flailing Stiles. The teen nearly tripped twice in his haste to get to the front door, and he was already speaking to me before he even saw me. He's definitely used to speaking to others with enhanced hearing.