The Imperfect Imprint {Jakeward}

"Edward..." I started to say uneasily, swallowing back what was possibly bile rising from my anxiety ridden stomach.

"For the millionth time- relax," he responded, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

We were once again at the Cullen house, but this time we occupied the couch in the living room. We were patiently waiting for Bella to arrive- so we could tell her that her ex and her best friend are in love. The rest of the vampires were scattered around the room and giving us encouraging smiles. Except Larkin- who looked thoroughly confused.

"Uhh... doesn't anyone want to let me in on what's going on?" He asked the room. My eyes immediately went to Edward as I waited for him to explain.

"Well first- maybe we should tell him about the wolves?" Carlisle started reasonably. Which brought all of the eyes in the room to me. I cleared my throat awkwardly.

"Uhh- right. Okay," I stammered. "You're a Cullen now, so I guess there's no harm." And so I told him.

Of course he already knew I was a wolf, but the Cullen's hadn't really told him anything else. I stuck to the basics, but went into as much detail as I could about imprinting. I wanted him to understand, so he didn't think we were trying to hurt Bella. Because we weren't.

"Wait- so you two are like- together?" He asked incredulously. "Bella is convinced that you hate each other."

"We did," Edward and I answered in sync, chuckling.

"How is that possible?" He asked in confusion.

"I thought I already explained that," I snarked with a wink.

"Right," Larkin responded, a small smirk playing at his lips. "So you're telling Bella when she gets here then?"

"That's the plan," I responded, the uneasiness creeping in again.

Larkin gave me a reassuring smile. "It'll be fine."

A wave of calm suddenly washed over me, and I glanced at Jasper to see him watching me intently. I gave him a small smile of thanks for using his gifts when I needed it most.

"Well- I'm no help because I can't see what's going to happen," Alice huffed unhappily, a frown etching her pixie face.

"Jake- you know her better than any one of us hunny," Esme said softly. I looked at her, her motherly face full of love and reassurance, and I knew she was right.

"Sure, sure," I said, a small smile forming. This would be fine.

How had the rest of the vampires grown on me so quickly? I was mind boggled. I had hated their entire race only a week ago. Now even their scent didn't bother me anymore. Maybe it because I knew they were my imprints family on a higher level.

"Perhaps we shouldn't tell her in front of the whole family though," Edward commented, and the rest of the vampires in the room nodded, rising from their seats.

"Except Larkin. You stay," I said in a tone that brooked no arguments. He gave me a terse nod and stayed where he was.

"Come on," Emmett whined. "I wanted to witness the fun." I snorted and Edward rolled his eyes. Blondie also rolled her eyes, grabbing her mates arm and doing her best to haul him along.

"Emmett- get lost. It's bad enough you'll all be able to hear every word," he sighed, making shooing motions at his fun loving brother. Emmett shrugged, clearly content with being able to eavesdrop, and exited the room with the rest of the Cullens.

And not a moment to soon. The roar of Bella's old truck could be heard coming down the driveway easily. Nerves fluttered in my gut as the sound grew closer. We all exchanged glances as the engine cut off and the old door creaked open before being slammed shut again. My knee started to bounce nervously as her footsteps crunched across the gravel and echoed up the wooden steps. Edward placed his hand on my knee, effectively stilling my movements with a reassuring squeeze. I released a breath I didn't realize I had been holding and Edward removed his hand as Bella opened the front door.