The Imperfect Imprint {Jakeward}

Chapter 31: Unexpected Mate

"Dude! Your house is huge," he breathed. "Vampire perks huh?" He chuckled, winking when he caught sight of me through the windows.

"You could say that," I laughed as I opened the door for them. Derek was hot on Stiles' heels, in protective alpha mode as he surveyed the vampires in the room. Scott and Isaac walked in next, hand in hand.

When Derek came into view, Emmett's head snapped to the door immediately. My eyebrows rose as I listened to his thoughts.

Holy shit, what the hell is that incredible smell? Like... like leather and the forest and... mint? He wondered, his eyes were moving up and down Derek's body quickly, noting every detail, right down to his green Henley. He's a freaking greek god. Why does he smell so good? Why does he look so good? Why the hell am I thinking this about a man right now? What's going on? He's a werewolf and a dude for Christ sakes. Is it hot in here, or is it just me?

Jasper was gazing at Emmett with a confused frown, catching onto his emotions. He's confused and... aroused? His eyes glanced between Emmett and the dark haired werewolf. That can't be right. Jaspers eyes moved to me in question, I just shrugged my shoulders helplessly.

Derek must have felt eyes on him, because he turned to meet Emmett's eyes with a glare already in place. But it quickly melted away the more he stared at my vampire brother. His eyes flashed their alpha red and stayed that way. There was only one thought in his mind, and he was practically screaming it.

Mate.

Wait... what?

"Em?" Rose asked, her eyes moving between the two having a staring contest uneasily.

"Yeah?" He asked, not breaking eye contact with Derek even a little bit. Derek's eyes were moving up and down Emmett's body. Exploring the terrain, then back to his eyes, again and again until he had taken it all in.

The entire room was watching the exchange in silence and confusion, even Stiles and Scott. Emmett and Derek's stares were growing more heated, their thoughts revolving around each other possessively.

"You're staring," Rosalie said, as if it wasn't obvious.

"Der?" Stiles asked gently, laying a hand on his shoulder "what's wrong?" That finally broke Emmett's concentration. His eyes narrowed at Stiles dangerously. Mine, Emmett thought, and he was ready to pounce. Derek saw it and stepped in front of Stiles immediately.

"It's okay," he reassured Emmett, his voice soothing. "He's my best friend." Emmett visibly relaxed, and his eyes were back on Derek. "I'm okay Sti."

"Okay- what the hell is going on?" Rosalie demanded. But I could tell by her thoughts that she already knew.

"They're mates," I filled the rest of the room in bluntly. There were several shocked inhales at that.

The werewolf mate meeting was different from the Quileute imprint, very different. Though, just as instantaneous. It was like their minds latched onto each other, automatically seeing the other as solely theirs. No one else's.

I knew it... I knew we weren't mates. Neither of us have ever, truly been happy. I'm glad Em found his. But will I ever find mine? Rose's thoughts weren't hostile or bitter. They were accepting.

"Rose I- I'm so..." Emmett stumbled over his words as he met her eyes. How do I apologize for something like this? We've been together for decades. I thought she was the one. I know how hard this life has always been for her. What happens now? His gaze was pleading and full of emotion as he looked at her.