AN: Wow, I can't believe we are here already! Five years off the grid and then BOOM inspiration hits and after just under five months from when I began writing my little story, my first ever fanfic has reached an end. And it is FAR from over! OMG! Book 2 is in the works and I have big plans for a Leah and Paul outtake for Fandoms for Hope and Relief.

Thank you all for welcoming me back into Twilight Fandom and for all of your reviews, thoughts and comments. They mean a lot to me.

CoppertopJ and Melissa, this story would never have gotten where it is today without you guys! Thank you!

An Imprint

I drive out of the parking lot like a bat out of hell. Cars blare their horns at me as I speed away from the Town Hall as fast as I can. I'm surprised that I don't cause an accident, but I'm too far gone physically and emotionally to even care. Inside of me my entire body is at war. I am gasping for breath, feeling just inches away from completely losing it. Every inch of me is trembling uncontrollably and I can barely hold on to the steering wheel. I truly shouldn't be driving as fast as I am, but I simply can't stop. I need to put as much distance between Edward and I as possible.

Agonizing pain burns beneath my flesh in each spot where those invisible threads grabbed ahold of me. The bond between Edward and I is no longer simply a feeling, it's physically binding and incredibly powerful. Right now that bond is blazing with anger, furious with me for leaving before completing it. My wolf is battling against me as well and it's almost too much for me to handle. I lift one hand to my head, dragging my fingers through the skin of my scalp. I can barely see the road ahead of me.

"You can't escape the imprint."

Rose's voice echoes in my head and I start to hit my palm repeatedly against my forehead as the memory plays in my mind.

"You get very sick."

Leah's soft voice brings tears to my eyes and my vision goes blurry.

"If you don't complete the bond after the imprint happens, it's as though your body is missing an organ. It will begin to deteriorate. You'll experience such agonizing pain that both you and your wolf will go mad."

My stomach rolls and I feel the urge of vomit rise in my throat. When we'd had this conversation imprinting sounded like something crazy, completely unrealistic and not something I ever thought was going to happen to me. Now, I can feel the power of the imprint in every particle of my body. Never have I felt such intense pain before and with each second it feels like it is only increasing.

No, no, no, no, no...

A car is suddenly right in front of me and I have to swerve away so I don't hit it. Adrenaline immediately replaces some of the nausea as I fight for the control of my truck as it moves off of the main road. This is bad. I slam on the brakes as hard as I can, but I'm too late. My truck hits a large tree head on. The last thing I hear is the horrible screech of metal hitting wood. Then everything goes black.

My ears are buzzing and my head feels like it is about to explode. I groan, touching the place where it hurts, only to see blood on my fingers when I pull back my hand. My body begins to shake.

"Ow!" I whisper, unable to say anything more.

There is a sharp ache in my chest and I realize that it is from the seat belt. With trembling fingers I'm able to release it. Slowly the urgency I felt before my accident begins to return and I begin to remember the reason for why I was driving like a maniac. I need to move. I have to get away.

Luckily my door opens without much of a hassle. When my feet hit the ground, I feel my knees buckle. There's smoke rising from the engine of my truck and I can see that the entire passenger side is smashed in. My mouth runs dry as I see the damage. This could have gone a lot worse. I'm lucky to be alive. I can feel my body tremble and there is a part of me that just wants to crumble to the ground and stop running away. This is too much.

I try not to let those thoughts pull me down. My body jumps and I can feel the rush of adrenaline flow through me when I hear voices from the road. This fuels my need to get away and I quickly begin moving away from my destroyed truck. I'm unable to run because of the pain in my chest from my seat belt and my head injury, but I walk as fast as I can, moving deeper into the forest and away from the road and the concerned voices.

My wolf is shaking her head in confusion as though she too is just coming back from unconsciousness. I know I need to put as much distance between myself and Edward before she regains her strength. I feel weak and I'm injured so I know that I won't be able to fight her off for long. The bond between Edward and I is also coming to life and it doesn't take long before I stumble over my feet, having to double over as sharp pain shoots through me. I take a moment and breathe through my clenched teeth, before finding the strength to keep moving forward. I can't allow myself to stop.

"BELLA?!" I recognize my father's worried voice and my legs halt their movements.

My heart begins to race in my chest, if my father is already this close then-. There is a rustle of movements behind me and I know I need to run, injuries be damned. Conjuring every ounce of energy I have left in my body I sprint as fast as I can to get away from the sounds. My chest is burning and my limbs feel clumsy and heavy, but I am able to create some distance. I stop for a second to catch my breath and listen for any close movement.

All I can hear are the comforting sounds of the deep forest, until I suddenly recognize a sound that makes my stomach drop and acute fear begins to spread. It is the rumbling sound of an engine closing in. Specifically the sound of a motorcycle engine. A sob of desperation bubbles in my chest, but I know that there is no way I can outrun this. I'm not given any choice in the matter. Suddenly the vehicle I've heard bursts through the trees and comes to an abrupt stop in front of me. My breath hitches in my throat and surprise rises within me.

"Get on!"

I hardly recognize him under the helmet, but his voice is unmistakable. It's Aro. I'm saved!

Without giving myself a moment to consider, I jump on the back of his bike, holding on for dear life as he takes off. I quickly realize that Aro had been basically taking a Sunday stroll yesterday when we drove in the woods near his house. This is much different. The speed is terrifying and the path he chooses causes my heart to leap into my throat. I close my eyes tightly and cling to him as hard as I can. He doesn't slow his pace until we are miles and miles away, but then suddenly he stops. I can barely breathe when he jumps off the bike and turns towards me. My fingers are numb from holding on so tightly, but I can see that they are trembling. He pulls his helmet off and quickly looks me over. Touching the injury on my head with gentle fingers.

"Are you OK?" he asks carefully.

I can't stop the shudders that are wracking through my body. I feel like I'm some drug addict going through withdrawal. I don't know how much of it is because of the imprint or the shock of the accident, or simply a reaction to everything I heard in that Council meeting.

I nod, my teeth chattering uncontrollably. I know for a fact that I am not OK, but I don't think the injuries I've gotten from the accident are life threatening and I think that is what Aro is asking about.

Aro takes my hand and helps me off the bike, he then leads me to a fallen tree trunk nearby and I sit down. Then he rushes back to his bike, pulling out a few things from a storage compartment. As he does this I take a moment to look around. We are high up on a mountain and the forest isn't as thick here. To my right I can see a small wooden cabin and I briefly wonder who lives up here.

Aro returns with a First Aid Kit and a water bottle in hand. With expert and sure fingers he quickly rinses my wound and bandages it. Then he completes a quick health check, asking me to breathe as he listens to my lungs with a stethoscope that has magically appeared. He continues checking my sight, asking me questions to see if my memory is functioning well. He's as thorough as any doctor would be. The spasms in my body won't let up and the pain from the incomplete imprint is building. I can also feel how my wolf is preparing to attack. She has regained her strength and she is furious. I bite my teeth together.

"You have to let the imprint happen, Bella," Aro says softly and my eyes flash to his and I quickly shake my head. Doesn't he understand why that can't happen?

He lifts the water bottle to my lips and I take a small sip, spilling some water down my mouth and neck because I'm shaking so horribly. Aro grimaces and I can see that he wishes he can do more for me.

"If you don't, you'll die. I can't let that happen," he continues.

Aro's midnight blue eyes are full of regret, but I don't understand why. He's just helped me by getting away. Suddenly Aro leans forward and kisses my forehead, careful not to touch my injury. Why do I feel like he is saying goodbye? Then he cups my cheek with one hand and holds my gaze.

"I can't take you away from this anymore, I'm sorry. It's too late."

His eyes are pleading with mine, but I don't understand what he is trying to tell me.

"When this is over-." Aro's breath hitches as something catches his eye behind me and his face fills with fear.

"We will always be there for you, Bella, but right now neither of us have a choice," he says his eyes blazing as he keeps them locked onto whatever it is standing behind me. I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise.

Before I can even react, Aro sprints towards his motorcycle and tears out of there, leaving me behind.

A sharp breath falls from my lips, Aro's actions have shocked me to the core. The emotion is quickly replaced, however, when I hear the sound of heavy paws against the forest floor. Dread rises within me like boiling milk, quickly taking over every inch of me. The rise and fall of my chest increases substantially as my breathing goes into panic mode. He has found me.

His growl tears through the air like thunder and my body rises to attention. My wolf smirks within me. Her mate has come for us and she knows I am powerless to stop it. The bond between us snaps and I can feel the physical pull towards him. I know exactly where he is and I haven't even turned my body to look for him. The spasms that have wrecked through my body ever since I ran from him, calm immediately and the pain, even those from my injuries, are gone. I take a deep breath, his tantalizing scent filling my nose and I rise to my feet.

I can hear him closing in and I know there is no way I can escape this. The imprint will be completed. I don't have a choice in the matter. Most of my body has already accepted it, the war has been lost, and the imprint bond has won and now I must surrender. My heartbeat rapidly increases with the sound of each step he takes towards me. Goosebumps rise on my skin and a wave of tingles flows down my spine as I feel the rumble of a soft growl directly behind me.

A surge of energy rises as my mind clears for a second and I am reminded of Edward's betrayal. He had been willing to send me away. Without thought I sprint as fast as I can away from him. It doesn't take long before he catches me and we both fall to the ground. I expect to feel the brunt of the fall, but am surprised when instead my body is cradled against his. I struggle against him for a moment, feeling the fight rise within me, but my attacking fists are quickly shackled to the ground by a pair of strong hands at my wrists. My breath shudders when I realize that I'm now tucked underneath him. His powerful, naked, human body above me, holding me down.

"Stop!" he commands in such a dominant tone that my entire body quakes with sharp desire.

I've deliberately kept my eyes away from his, but now I feel my wolf's consciousness rise and blend together with mine. I'm powerless to stop it. The bond between Edward and I hums with approval and my eyes lift to meet his. A bolt of electricity passes between us and I feel something inside of me shift. His chest rumbles with deep satisfaction and I can't stop a soft moan from falling from my lips. I feel like my body has been thrust deep under water and every thought and doubt I have are above the surface and they can't reach me. Here, the only thing that matters is him.

He looks different somehow and I realize it's because both he and his wolf have molded together as well. He is in human form, but his eyes are the electric green of his wolf and I can glimpse a set of long fangs in his mouth. The delicious sensation that comes just before I complete my phase spreads through me and I can feel my own teeth expand, but then it stops. It's the strangest feeling, almost as if I'm caught in mid-sneeze.

Edward allows his body to drop against mine and we both groan out at the ecstasy that spreads as our bodies touch. Finally. He leans forward and licks down the side of my neck, leaving a sensual kiss just below my ear.

"My Stubborn Mate," his whispers, sending what feels like a swarm of butterflies taking flight against my skin and I whimper against the intense pleasure. He moves my arms above my head and holds both of my wrists with one hand against the soft grass underneath us.

"Are you going to fight me?" he asks as he lifts his upper body from mine. I whine in disagreement, but it quickly turns into a wanton moan as he traces my nipples through my thin t-shirt with a single finger.

"Will you run again, hmm?" he asks, licking a trail from my ear down my jaw to my chin.

Here he pauses and I feel like I'm about to burst. The need to complete our bond becoming painful. I feel a deep pulse of pleasure run through me and I know that this time there will be no stopping us. A hint of rational thought enters my otherwise occupied mind and I feel like I've been able to break the surface for a quick breath of rational thought before this goes any further. I force the question to my lips.

"Will you send me away?"

Edward pauses and I see a flicker of the human Edward rise in his eyes, before he is quickly replaced by this strange hybrid of both wolf and man. His lips lift into a sensual half smile and my heart stutters in my chest.

"I could never send you away, Bella," he answers, almost as if he is talking to a child.

Then he leans forward again and begins to leave very adult kisses to the edges of my lips.

"You belong to me as I belong to you," he says against my skin and I feel my entire body shakes with unfulfilled need.

"And I will kill anyone who dares come between us," Edward's voice is strangely soft when he says this and he just continues to leaves kisses along the edges of my lips, but there is no doubt that he is speaking the truth. A shiver spreads down my spine and I pull at the strands of his hair to pull him back. He growls in annoyance and bares his teeth, much like a wolf would, but strangely it doesn't scare me.

I study his electric eyes. I've gotten to know his wolf well over the past few weeks, but this is a part of him that I don't recognize. My body is begging for me to give in and surrender to our bond, but I know that I have to clear up a few things before we go any further. I don't know how much time I have before I am thrust back into deep water and all rational thought leaves me.

"Why did you tell Carlisle that you would compel me to leave?" I ask, the hurt rising in my chest, but I try to stay calm. Edward studies me for a moment before closing his eyes, when he opens them, emerald human eyes stare back at me.

"I had to Bella," he says, his voice filled with an urgency that I've never heard from him. He knows that we don't have much time and he knows that he hurt me.

"I couldn't risk having my father do it. If he hadn't believed me then-," he stops as though he's unable to continue and lightly traces my cheek with his finger.

"My hope was that if I reached you first, we could escape before anyone realized-," his voice drifts off. "But then the doors opened and there you were, in the center of the Lion's Den where I couldn't protect you. Or at least where I thought I couldn't protect you."

My mind begins to whirl.

"We?" I begin to ask. He bobs his head, his green eyes piercing into mine as though he is trying to reach my soul.

"You weren't going anywhere without me," he says vehemently and I can see the truth on his features. A soft smile spreads on his lips and his eyes trail lovingly over my face as though I am a precious and rare jewel.

"I don't care what my family or the Council says. The universe chose you as my mate and I won't spend another day without you by my side. If that is with the Pack or without it. All I want and need is you."

Tears flood in my eyes and elation builds in my stomach. I pull his face to me and leave a searing kiss on his lips. He continues placing butterfly kisses anywhere he can reach. Although I know we have a lot of issues to discuss, this is not the time. Rational thought has been replaced by carnal need.

I shake my head, answering his first question.

"Then, no, I won't run," I whisper breathlessly as I try to catch his wandering lips.

"Please," I beg, my voice revealing how much I ache for him. Both wolf and human are desperate to become his in every way possible.

"Please, what?" he asks, teasingly. He is enjoying this.

My sweet and respectful Edward is nowhere to be seen and in his place is the dominant wolf who is used to taking what he wants. A deep animalistic drive flows through me and my wolf rises to meet his. She raises our head so our lips are just an inch away from Edward's.

"Fuck me."

Our lips gently touch his when those vulgar words fall from my lips.

"Claim me. Mate with me," I continue so there is no doubt of what I want.

Edward's entire body shudders against mine and it's as though something in him simply snaps. His lips devour mine with a hunger that is all consuming and deliciously demanding. I hold my own, battling against him. I suck on his lower lip, my fangs nipping his skin and he growls.

He releases his hold on my wrists only to rip my t-shirt and bra from my torso. My hands join his, desperately trying to shed myself of my clothes. It doesn't take us long, but every time we have to move apart to pull something off, the bond between us roars out in anger. It is urging us to complete the bond as quickly as possible. I feel like I'm on fire and the only relief I can find is touching Edward. When I'm finally naked we both groan out in utter bliss as we are finally able to rub against one another skin on skin. The sensation is absolutely incredible, unlike anything I've ever felt and I can't stop my hands from exploring the soft and warm skin of his strong back. I feel like I am finally whole, well, almost at least.

It doesn't take long before the both of us realize what is missing. Without letting up on his demanding kisses, Edward moves his hand between us, lining himself up against my already slick core. Then without any warning he enters me with a forceful thrust, claiming me. Both our lips go slack at the glorious feeling of him finally being inside of me.

He is much larger than the man who took my virginity many years ago and I wince slightly because of the pain. Edward must notice, because he freezes, staying buried inside of me, allowing my body a moment to adjust to him. As he waits, he begins placing soft butterfly kisses along my features and a soft giggle rises in my chest at his sweet, yet playful touch. The desperation we've both felt to complete the bond has diminished as we are finally joined together as close as humanly possible. I sigh in complete contentment, the pinch of pain already disappearing.

Edward searches my face and I can suddenly see the emerald eyes of my sweet human Edward shine through as he places a gentle and almost loving kiss on my nose. I drag my fingers through his hair slowly before tugging at him slightly so that he will lean forward so that I can return the favor. Our eyes hold and we both share a sweet smile. Then I swivel my hips to show him that I am ready for more and his brows immediately tighten in concentration.

Edward's thrusts are shallow and tentative and he carefully studies my face for any hint of discomfort. My heart warms at his mindful consideration, but it doesn't take long for me to crave more. Raising my hands above my head, I jut my chest out and move my hips harder against him. A sultry moan falls from my lips when his hot mouth covers one of my nipples and his thrusts become deeper and more forceful within me.

"Edward?" I ask in a breathy voice.

"Hmmm?" he hums against my skin, his hips almost leaving mine before thrusting deeply inside me again in an almost lazy fashion.

"Baby, I need more. We can do slow later."

The term of endearment falls effortlessly from my lips as I beg him for more.

His green eyes meet mine just as he gently sucks on my left nipple. His member almost leaving me as Edward is moving his hips back. I whimper.

"Right now," I gasp, "I really need you to fuck me."

My voice rises to a shout as he suddenly rams his hips against mine and his eyes flash back to his wolf. I feel my own wolf rise to the forefront of my mind.

"Hold on tight," Edward commands, pushing my legs further apart, linking them tightly behind his back.

We both groan when we feel him move even deeper inside of me. Then he bends his muscular arms and leans down on his elbows increasing his thrusts to a brutal and punishing pace. It is carnal, animalistic and wonderful. My nails drag against the skin on his back and he grunts. With each thrust I feel him hit a spot within me that shoots sparks of euphoria throughout my entire body; my moans grow with intensity with each thrust. Tension is rising within me at a speed I've never experienced before and I know it won't take long before waves of exquisite pleasure will flow through me.

Urging him on, both of my hands dip down and cup his hard muscular ass that is working so hard to bring us both to completion. I can feel how his body is going slick with sweat, but I need him to keep going. Heat builds within me like molten lava, just waiting for an eruption. I am standing at the edge of a tall ledge ready to fall down.

Suddenly, I feel my fangs extending in length again and realize that Edward has buried his head in my neck and is breathing harshly against my skin. I am in no state of mind to consider what this means, but my breath catches slightly in anticipation. My blood begins to boil as my heart goes into double time as my body pushes itself towards our goal. For a moment I am distracted by the thumping sound of someone's rapid heartbeat and it takes me a moment to realize that it isn't my own. Almost as if I've become hypnotized by the sound, my eyes find the vein that is calling to me.

My breath hitches as Edward increases his pace even further, loud moans falling from his mouth as his entire body trembling under my touch. I am so close, but suddenly there is something else that I simply must do before I allow pleasure to take over my body. I lick the hot and sweaty skin just above that mouthwatering vein pulsing and protruding in his neck, and I feel Edward do the same. Then just as our orgasms begin to flow through us, we both pierce the skin of our mate and a wave of sweet nectar spills onto our tongue. In this moment we have bound our bodies together in every single way possible. The bond between us sings.

The taste of Edward's blood only amplifies my arousal and finally the tidal wave of pleasure flows through me and every muscle clenches as we tremble against one another. He roars against my skin and I feel the rush of heat deep inside of me. I can't move, completely lost in the euphoria that has taken hold of my body. My heart is racing and it takes me a while to gain control of my breathing.

Edward falls heavily against me as his body goes slack against mine for just a moment before he turns us, leading my head to find rest against that soft place on his chest. He wraps his strong protective arms around me and then drifts off to oblivion. I release a shaky breath, my body finally coming down from its indescribable high. My wolf retreats and the desperate craving and deep unease I've felt for weeks has finally disappeared. Exhaustion sets in and I can feel my eyelids grow heavy. I try to hold on to consciousness a little longer, finally feeling a little more like myself, but I can feel that it is going to be a struggle.

My thoughts begin to wander and I find myself replaying everything that has led us up to this point in my head. My fears of the imprint seem trivial now, but I know Edward and I have a long way to go if we are ever going to have a real relationship. After everything at the Council Meeting and even before that… hurt spreads through my chest and for a moment I'm tempted to run off again.

Almost as if he can read my mind, Edward tightens his hold on me and I can feel a strange comforting sensation grow within me, that isn't my own. The feeling quickly spreads through me and extinguishes those painful memories and thoughts. Before I can think too much about it, I feel every limb in my body sink against Edward's warm body and I sigh as peace and contentment flows through me. Tilting my head back, I force my eyes to open halfway and glance once more over my handsome stubborn mate's features and smile before finally joining him in succumbing to a blissful sleep.