Edited 5/30/22.

A/N: This chapter contains mild swearing and implied sexual content.

***

The engine of Marshall's car is cut off upon his arrival at the Cullen household. He takes a moment to bask in the silence around him. Faint calling of a bird song and chirping bugs fills a comfortable atmosphere. Quiet sounds are muffled by closed windows, but it's still just as calming.

He looks down at lax hands sitting in his lap. In the calm stillness of the garage, Paul comes to mind.

The vampire is sure to put up a mental block before thinking back to the conversation that was brought up before the two parted ways.

*

"An imprint? No, can't say I've ever heard of that," Marshall answered. "I'm guessing though, that has to do with our rather non-hostile and more hospitable nature toward each other?"

"You'd be right in that assumption." Paul chuckled before reclaiming his serious expression. "I don't want you to freak out. Just because you're my imprint doesn't mean that things between us need to change. You're hot, I like you, and you're good company. I'm okay with us just being friends with benefits."

"But?"

"...But the imprint bond could make things complicated in the future."

"Explain it to me- this bond. It sounds important." Marshall scooted closer and pressed a kiss to the bare skin of Paul's shoulder. It was a gesture that felt natural for both of them. "I won't judge. And if you need me to be open minded, I will be. I'm around enough close minded people as is on a regular basis."

Paul chuckled. His gaze shifted from the ceiling to Marshall's patient expression.

He had an easygoing smile plastered on his handsome face, a single dimple forming an indentation in his right cheek.

The wolf bit his bottom lip. He scooted closer as well until both men had their foreheads touching. Paul pulled Marshall's hip so they were lying on their sides. The position made it so they were flesh against each other.

Bare chests were mere centimeters apart. Toned legs were wrapped up in each other. One of Marshall's hands was pressed against Paul's heart. Said male also had a hand resting on the vampire's waist. Their gazes were locked. It remained that way for a few seconds before anyone decided to speak again.

"...It's a bond that stems from my wolf's lineage," Paul stated, a thoughtful expression overtaking his features. "Usually, imprinting happens when a wolf finds a mate who would be capable of producing strong children. It's not necessarily a love at first sight type of thing- but it's much more... intense."

"I'm listening," Marshall urged.

"I don't think a wolf has ever imprinted on someone of the same gender before. I didn't even know that was a thing. Because of that, I'm kind of clueless on why my wolf's spirit decided to imprint on you. It's not for the sake of reproduction, so unless it just decided you were pretty and wants you forever based on that, I'm stumped." Paul looked between Marshall's eyes. "But something that is a constant about imprinting is that it's all consuming. I don't know if you know this, but wolves can freeze their aging because of shifting. So, technically, I can live forever just like you can. The imprint bond though- it's kind of like the scenario for red-tailed hawks. Those animals mate for life. And if we were to ever get romantically involved, that would happen for me too."

Marshall nodded. He understood the seriousness and severity of Paul's predicament. Just as with finding a mate for vampires, it seemed that imprinting was an involuntary reaction that demanded a lifelong commitment.

It was a bit frightening to think about-- being tethered to another person in such a sense. It's not something that Marshall thought about often, but it was something that passed his mind every now and again. With almost everyone in his household having a mate and him being one of the odd-men-out, the thought of finding a partner actually seemed tantalizing.

"How did it feel? For you to imprint on me, I mean."

"It was strange. One minute, I felt nothing but anger and something close to hatred for you because you're a vampire. I'm sure it was the same for you. But then as soon as we made eye contact, all of that disdain went away. I didn't care that you were a vampire. I didn't care that we were mortal enemies. At that moment, all I saw was you." Paul brought a hand to Marshall's face and caressed his cheek. "I saw... a life. With you. I saw smiles and happiness and... y'know."

The vampire nodded. He knew what the wolf was getting at even though he didn't say it. He ignored the lingering sensation of warmth that pooled in his stomach. Instead, he motioned for Paul to continue talking.

"It was nice, I gotta say. It was really nice. I felt this pull toward you that didn't go away even after I left. Even after I shifted back into a person, there was this need to be near you. I thought that if anything would make it stop, it'd be some booze. At least for a little bit. But then there you were. At the bar. And when I saw you that pull got stronger and stronger. I don't mean that just emotionally. I don't know how I feel that way just yet- but again, I like you. And I'm guessing because of my attraction to you, my wolf's spirit went into overdrive and wanted to claim you right then and there. Guess we're lucky that a motel was nearby or else we probably would've fucked in one of our cars."

Marshall chuckled. He allowed himself to lean into Paul's touch. "I know what you mean. When we made eye contact, there was this pull inside of me too- along with this warmth. It confused me. I was initially out looking to feed. But then I caught your scent. And it was the most divine thing I've ever had the pleasure of smelling. No offense, but your... unique fragrance of dog permeates a bit. Because of it though, it's easier for me to be around you even though my body knows you're my blood singer."

"Blood singer?" Paul wondered in confusion.

"Yeah. Pretty much, and I hope this isn't off putting, your blood appeals to me more than anyone else's. Like it was specifically meant to call me in. I don't act on impulse when it comes to that, thankfully. But I don't think having a blood singer would cause that- that need to be near you. That mutual need to claim you."

"...What're you saying..?"

"Well, Paul, it seems that as your spirit has claimed me to be your imprint, my vampirism has claimed you to be my mate."

The vampire and the wolf sat in silence. They soaked up each other's words and explanations. They allowed for their feelings of both uncertainty and understanding to wash over them. A moment was given to truly come to terms with the meaning of all this.

"...We're so fucked." Paul chuckled.

"Yeah I suppose we are." Marshall laughed in return. "Still, I know this talk of imprinting and mating is kind of intense. I want to make something clear though. I know we may want each other because of instincts- and because we're both just smoking hot people- but I don't want either of us to feel like we have to be together. Like there's no other option."

"Took the words right out of my mouth." A long sigh cut through the silence. "We just met, and while I'm fine with us fucking from time to time- hell, I wouldn't even mind if we just hung out every now and again- I don't want you to feel like you have to be with me unless you want to be. Sleeping together is one thing. Asking you to fall for me because of the imprint is another. So, the question begs- what are we? Well, I'd like to keep what we have going on right now. Honestly, I don't see us becoming lovers or anything like that over night. We are still natural born enemies-"

Paul's statement fell short as Marshall placed his own hand on the other male's cheek. They looked at each other with a certain fondness leaking through their shared gaze.

The vampire's lips pursed. His expression was serious. But his eyes—those calm pools of black—they remained open and understanding.

"Vampire or not- wolf or not- I like you, Tiger. Now, I'm not saying I'm going to fall in love so easily. I've never experienced something like that. At the same time though, that doesn't mean it can't happen at some point."

He noticed Paul's pulse pick up in response to the statement. An involuntary burning desire erupted in both men. Marshall continued, "Regardless of species- you're still my type. And if I can, I have every desire in me to make you melt."

Paul nodded. He smiled gently, and his eyes softened.

The two held each other in place until Marshall decided to let go. He only did so to reach for his discarded pants near the edge of the bed. A phone was taken out. As soon as it was activated, the device was presented with a slight nudge.

"Give me your number. I have a feeling we're going to be seeing each other a lot more often. So, if you want to meet up or just want to talk, well, this way I'm just a phone call away."

*

Marshall smiles at the memory. He revels in the butterflies swarming his stomach while climbing out of his car. The vehicle locks behind him.

Walking into the house through the garage, the vampire goes down the hallway that connects to a downstairs family room. He's greeted by the sight of Esme looking over a cookbook with Carlisle at her side; the doctor reading a medical book.

Marshall passes by the duo with a quick kiss to both adults. Carlisle simply smiles, whereas Esme pulls her adopted son down for a hug. He reciprocates the gesture with a light chuckle. They part, and Marshall gives his father a light pat on the shoulder before retreating upstairs.

Cold hand runs along the stair's railing in a smooth, fluid motion. Another hand sits in his pocket, grasping his cellphone. His pointer finger runs along the edge of the device. The digit fiddles absentmindedly with the volume buttons on the side.

Getting to the second floor, Marshall listens to a familiar sound of soft piano coming from another family room. He peeks inside and sees Edward clad in his usual plain button up and dark slacks. Said male's fingers are dancing on piano keys with ease.

He looks up and notices his adoptive brother looking in. A nod is given in response. Marshall gives a small wave back before continuing his ascension to the third floor.

He can hear the sounds of Alice and Rosalie talking about clothes in the room immediately to his left. To his right, however, Jasper and Emmett are hanging out in yet another family room. They're sitting with a football game playing on the television. Alice's mate is fiddling with a mobile game on his phone, whereas Rosalie's mate is looking up at the ceiling. He's throwing a tennis ball up into the air, and catching it repeatedly.

Barely a second passes before the new scent is acknowledged. Emmett looks over. He notices Marshall standing with messy hair and ruffled clothes in the entryway.

"Well, well. You're back later than usual. Good night?"

"Oh, dude, hell yeah."

All three males chuckle.

Marshall walks up another flight of stairs and comes to a closed glass door. He goes through it. One more set of stairs is ascended. They don't lead to another large section of the house though. Instead, they lead to a comfortable, more intimate setting consisting of the vampire's personal loft.

Marshall sighs in regard to a familiar smell of pumpkin wax melts. He proceeds to shrug off his leather jacket, tossing it onto the plush navy couch in front of him. The male then walks past the attached kitchen and office space. Combat boots are taken off at the metal staircase leading to a smaller second level.

The vampire looks out at the full glass wall on the opposite side of the loft. He takes in the captivating sight of one of many waterfalls on a nearby mountain. Thick trees and foliage are masked by an ever present mist at the current altitude.

Marshall brings his gaze back in front of him upon reaching the last step. With a sigh, he climbs atop his perfectly made king sized bed. He revels at the sensation of his soft comforter. Not even bothering to get covered, he flips onto his stomach. Both arms slide underneath the pillow which keeps both it and the vampire's head propped up.

Inhaling, Marshall notices the faint scent of Paul's cologne is clinging onto the fabric of his shirt. It makes him smile.

The vampire lets out an airy chuckle before closing his eyes. He sits in blissful silence. It's unclear how much time passes, but he knows he falls in and out of sleep. The feeling of his phone vibrating is what fully awakens him. It's brought up to his face with a quick text message being displayed on the screen.

Big Tiger:

Hey Marshmallow. Want to hang out Wednesday? We could get to know each other a little more over a couple drinks. And maybe do a little something else after ;)

Marshall can't help but smile at the text. Warmth erupts in his chest once again.

Marshmallow:

Sounds good to me Tiger ;) I've got work til 7 but if you want you can stop by and we can meet. Bar's about two blocks from my job

Big Tiger:

For sure. Just give me the address and we can go from there

-

I'm really looking forward to seeing you again.

Marshmallow:

Me too Paul. Me too.