The Imprint or the Blood Singer

Chapter 20

Maisie's eyes flashed open and she looked around, relieved when Edward's eyes met hers and she realized he hadn't moved all night. His arms had stayed by his side the entire night.

"I'll never leave you again. I shouldn't have in the first place."

Edward cringed when her first morning thoughts popped up. He didn't realize that leaving didn't protect Maisie but stressed you out instead. He closed his eyes as she laid back down. Part of Maisie didn't believe him and he wasn't sure what he could do to change that. They still had till the end of the week before going back to Forks, Maisie felt like that was plenty of time for him to disappear. He wasn't going to leave her again; except to hunt— he would never trust himself to be around her if he had any sort of thirst.

Maisie finally got up, wanting food. The breakfast was light and bland. It wasn't the food that made Maisie sick, it was the smell. And with werewolf senses, she smelled everything. While Maisie ate, Edward packed. Even though there was time, he wanted everything done. It took him a minute to come to his senses as he packed. The sound of two heartbeats in the silence of the house was strong and he still wasn't used to it. He would also be lying if he would say he wasn't worried.

Maisie looked fine but it was a vampire baby, a half vampire baby... and potentially half shifter. What kind of toll could that take on her body? But she was okay, at least she felt okay. Maisie was still a wolf. This couldn't be that hard, could it? She wasn't even showing and considering Edward could hear a heartbeat, that was kind of amazing. Even in human form, the brunt of the pregnancy was definitely being taken by the werewolf side. However, Maisie was still self-conscious, switching to looser clothing that she had and a one-piece swimsuit instead of bikinis.

Maisie and Edward were having lunch on the boat. Like breakfast, it was very minimal and bland. Maisie had finally had enough of the light touches and just hugged Edward from behind as he steered. He visibly stiffened underneath her touch. She sighed heavily and let go, returning to the open deck/seating area at the back of the boat. Edward found a serene spot and put the boat in park, letting it gently bob in place on the water. He walked over and sat next to Maisie but she turned over.

"Mai Mai..."

"No." She cut him off before he could even say anything.

"Maisie." He grabbed the girls' shoulder to roll her onto her back. "Baby, please talk to me."

"Oh look, that's the most you've touched me," she sighed and sat up, facing him. "You won't hug me, won't kiss me. I feel like you're only halfway here, Ed."

"I don't want to hurt you again."

Maisie took off her sun hat and sunglasses and set them to the side. "I can't read minds like you. You've got to tell me everything you're feeling."

Edward ran a hand through his hair.

"You're my Tua Cantante because of your scent. We all only have one blood singer."

"I know Ed, it's like my imprint."

"No, it's worse. I don't just feel pulled to you. I want you. Every time I get thirsty, I have to control myself around you. You overwhelm me. I never thought I would bi... The primal side kicked in and I couldn't control it. When the hunter takes over it's like I become a backseat driver in my own body. There was so much blood and you were so scared of me."

"What is it like?"

Edward looked at her confused.

"You've told me what happened. How do you feel?"