Marshall sat with his arms crossed behind his head, one of his legs dangling over the edge of a wide branch currently holding his weight. Minimal natural lighting did little to distract him from the picturesque view of the forest basking in the dwindling clutches of late autumn. His open leather jacket bellowed in the wind, silver braided chains clinking against each other. A light flurry caused tiny snowflakes to stick onto his eyelashes.

Further down, Brad was indulging in a well-deserved snack. Blood dripped down his chin, seeping into the ground near a deceased mountain lion. Fluffy beige-colored fur was stained red where strong hands took hold. Aside from the occasional satisfied hum, though, the forest surrounding them was peaceful.

Any other animals in the vicinity were quiet since they'd realized fierce predators were lurking. Regardless, the overall silence was nice.

It helped Marshall gather his thoughts more clearly.

His most recent confrontation with his old parents a few weeks ago really made him think: what was he going to do if Bella showed up? If the situation became physically confrontational, which he assumed would happen, would the correct course of action be to kill her? Marshall could tell she was beyond saving—something shown more so with her previous actions as a vampire instead of her actions as a human. He knew, just like how Brad dealt with Yasmine, disposing of Bella would keep a lot more innocent lives safe. The world would have one less dangerous threat to deal with.

Because of his change in mentality and emotional state, however, Marshall wasn't one to deal with his issues by using physical violence anymore. He never truly liked to, honestly. Doing so in the past happened as more of a last straw kind of reaction. Learning to reel his explosive temper in made him not want to rely on his fists when it came to "hashing things out".

But this was one ordeal, no matter how much he changed as a person, which would never stop chasing him.

He really hoped, when their inevitable meeting did happen, no one else would be around.

Marshall meant it when he said he didn't want anyone else to get involved with something they didn't need to be a part of.

"You're spacing out a little up there, cabrón."

"Would you rather I help you clean up, pendejo? Need me to run you a bath with extra bubbles before we part ways for the night?"

Brad flashed his middle finger with an exaggerated roll of the eyes.

Marshall reacted to the gesture by flashing a silly, toothy grin. He jumped down from his perch, landing directly beside his best friend. Out of instinct, a napkin was pulled out of his pocket to help erase the remnants of a messy dinner. Once tan skin was free of any lingering stains, together, both men joined hands to begin their journey back home.

"You seemed a little extra hasty to go hunting today. You okay?"

Brad nearly stopped walking. His grip tightened by a small margin. A playful demeanor melted into something more serious without much prodding.

He'd probably been mulling a few things over in his head for a while.

"...Could I ask you a really personal question?"

"Of course- what's up?"

He looked down at the ground covered in brown, decayed, partially frozen leaves. "How...long did it take you to get used to Paul's blood? Like, when did you really trust yourself to start letting your guard down- trusting yourself enough to not be afraid of physically harming him?"

Taken aback, Marshall pointed his gaze toward a darkened sky blanketed by heavy clouds. "Well, it definitely took a lot of work on my part. And a lot of restraint. You know the wolfy smell helps to cover up the smell of blood. But it doesn't erase it completely.

"I will say that kissing, hugging, and sleeping together, platonically and sexually, helped me get used to him. Y'know, just being physically close- especially when doing something which could make his pulse quicken. It took a good half a year for me to be comfortable with truly thinking about ever experimenting with him, though. It took some time for me to really grasp that I could  let loose, and he was more than capable of taking my strength without something bad happening.

"In terms of feeding- when I drank from him for the first time, I had to go to some pretty extreme lengths to make sure I didn't accidentally take too much. After getting that initial taste and savoring it- it was really the idea of one wrong move being enough to kill him which really got me out of, like, tunnel vision mode. And when we tried again after going on that weekend getaway together, even though it was a really quick start, we were both extremely careful. Paul would signal to me if he was beginning to feel woozy; I'd keep him in a position where he could get up on his own if he really needed to; we even came up with a safeword if he ever felt uncomfortable. It's really about having proper communication with each other, along with understanding how much self control you actually have. It's not something I'd advise rushing into."

Brad continued to watch frost-tinted foliage beneath his feet. He moved closer to his best friend so they could hold each other close. With only an inch in height separating them, they leaned their heads against each other. For a bit of additional comfort, a gentle hand gave delicate caresses through curly hair.

"Are you thinking of trying something with Leah?"

"...If I did- not that it's a thing I'm actively trying to do, but if I ever decided to drink from her, would you help me so I don't go too far?"

Marshall glanced at his friend without moving his head. "No, I wouldn't. And it's not because I just don't want to. It's not because I think you'd overpower me. Has nothing to do with strength. It's just that...a vampire taking from their singer can have some...unexpected reactions. My only singer has ever been Paul, so I don't know if this is normal for all vampires. Then again, one of my old siblings drank from two different singers and killed them both without a second thought, so maybe it's just me. But I've found drinking from Paul is a very different experience than what normally happens. When it comes to him, I find my excitement goes from ravenous hunger to intense, nearly insatiable lust. We almost always end up sleeping together after I've fed from him.

"That's kind of why I don't like to drink from him in front of people. Yeah, we make jokes about it, but it's a shared agreement to not have me imbibe if there's anyone else around to see it. Our feeding sessions are really intimate, vulnerable times for both of us.

"I wouldn't want to get in the way of something like that for you if you made the choice to drink from Leah. Plus, the first time doing so should be something you guys experience alone because it's a really substantial step to take for your relationship. To me, anyway."

Brad sighed. "What do you think I should do then? My end goal isn't to warm her up to letting me taste her blood. I just- we're getting to the point where we both want to move things along. In a lot of different ways. We're not together yet- it just seems like we're experiencing one last hurdle before we're both okay with becoming something more. We've kissed. We've shared a bed to cuddle. And I don't have trouble with those things anymore. Being close to her like that isn't hard anymore. I'm just at a point where I feel like we're at a standstill because she wants me to initiate the next step, and I'm worried about accidentally slipping up."

Marshall's eyebrows furrowed together in thought. His fingers gave a bit more pressure while nestled against his friend's scalp. A steady back and forth rhythm helped to keep Brad from spiraling into a mess of negative thoughts.

"If your next goal with each other is to move things forward in terms of sex, I just recommend taking your time with getting to know each other's bodies. Get used to your scents. The way you feel in each other's arms before initiating anything further. My first time with Paul was fast paced, yeah. I still made sure I got to know everything, like his and my limitations, before really getting things going. You just have to be certain you're legitimately ready to have her like that. If you have even a shred of doubt in your capabilities to not snap when things get hot and heavy, don't start something you won't be able to see through. If you hurt her, you won't be able to take it back."

Brad began toying with a strand of hair dangling over his shoulder. A sense of bashfulness washed over him, making him want to hide his face in his hands.

The only reason he didn't was because he trusted Marshall wholeheartedly and knew there was no judgment in any of the words spoken between them.

It wasn't like Brad really thought he would hurt Leah. He was confident in his ability to restrain his natural vampiric urges. They'd been around each other when running patrol as a unit, so he was no stranger to occupying Leah's space when her heart was racing, she was breathing heavily, and her natural temperature was extra toasty. 

Brad was used to the unique fragrance of his singer's blood.

He was simply afraid of messing up their first time together because he got too transfixed on holding certain reactions back too much. That the ordeal in its entirety wouldn't be as amazing for Leah.

For Brad, sex was often used as a physical way to show he made a claim—either for the simple, unattached pleasure stemming from mutual attraction (like with Yasmine) or proving the existence of a significant, otherworldly emotional connection (like with Marshall)—on someone.

He didn't want to make such a substantial claim on Leah and have her not find it to be a good, memorable experience.

"I can see you internally freaking out." Marshall nuzzled their cheeks together. "Relax. You of all people don't have anything to worry about when it comes to performing in bed. I think you should be more concerned about breaking furniture. And doors. And maybe even the walls."

"...I can't tell if you're being serious or not."

Marshall puffed his chest in smug glory. "Coming from someone who has experience, dude. Paul may be more susceptible to bumps and bruises, but that man is in no way fragile."

His half-serious joke was enough to pull a genuine laugh out of Brad. Tense shoulders finally dropped to a more natural, more comfortable position. His smile was large, surrounding him with an air of glee. 

It was contagious enough to pull a laugh out of Marshall as well.

Their sounds of merriment continued to follow them until reaching the treeline. Upon exiting, as was normal for most residences in La Push, a single family house sat in the middle of a clearing.  A small, recently established garden had a few herbs planted in a box next to a plethora of partially sprouted flowers. Above them, an open window was letting frigid air inside. The sound of running water was picked up as well.

Underneath the smell of dish detergent, Brad indulged in his blood singer's aroma as it wafted in his direction.

Leah must've picked up on his scent too and was coming to greet her imprint.

"Remember what I told you," Marshall whispered with a soft nudge of the arm. "Just take things one step at a time. If something does happen, just go with the flow. And make sure you have a fun night."

"Mm. You too."

Marshall gave a small wave to Leah when she opened her front door. Then, with one last pat on the shoulder for good luck, he practically disappeared from sight to begin a short trip home where his own mate was waiting.

***

"Hola, hermosa."

"Rafa."

Brad used enhanced speed to cross the wide clearing, ascend the stairs, and get to the front door in less than a second. He was given room to enter the house while the sound of a metal lock clicking resounded behind him. His jacket was draped behind one of several wooden dining chairs surrounding a circular table. Both sneakers were toed off, being placed beside the rectangular welcome mate.

Brad habitually turned around to press a sweet kiss against Leah's somewhat chapped lips.

"You cool with me changing before getting the movie started?"

"Yeah, that's fine. I just need to finish washing a few more cups. You know where my room is."

He gave a cute boop to the nose before moving down the hallway past the kitchen and living room. Currents of steam flew out of the bathroom, the fragrance of citrus body wash traveling outward toward the bedroom. Brad opened the door and shut it behind him for a brief moment of privacy.

Now alone, Brad brought his face into his hands to shield a phantom blush. A strangled groan in frustration was pushed down. Swaying from side to side helped to stave off a newfound desire to take a long run to help get his nerves under control. He held his breath to keep from savoring the addicting natural aroma belonging to Leah, her scent etched into the very walls of her room.

Brad both did and didn't understand why he was freaking out so much. It wasn't like he was an innocent, inexperienced virgin—sex wasn't new to him. Occasional makeout sessions which got a little more handsy than normal proved how much Brad truly was capable of bringing Leah pleasure. He knew her likes and dislikes when it came to intimacy. Gauging her reaction from facial expressions alone was easy enough to follow. Sleeping together really wouldn't be as difficult as he was making it out to be.

So-

So what the fuck?

Was he experiencing the type of jitters someone would get before going on their first date? Kind of like how Paul felt when Marshall came back after a solid month away from home?

Leah was a new partner whom Brad had only known for roughly half a year. They'd agreed to test the waters in terms of expanding their relationship only a mere month ago.

Truth be told, though, the amount of time they'd been together didn't mean much. 

The imprint bond and the mating bond made it seem like they'd been with each other their entire lives. They already knew everything there was to know about the other person: familial issues, close connections with other people, ambitions, fears, desires for the future. They'd proven how any obstacle could be gotten over with patience, communication, and understanding.

Maybe...deep down, Brad was just scared because he hadn't had sex with anyone since his Barcelona trip back in June.

When he was still human.

Maybe, since his first time getting so physical as a vampire would be with Leah, he was afraid in terms of how different he would feel.

Simply walking around in his new body took Brad months to get used to. He honestly couldn't imagine how different sex would be since he hadn't tried anything out yet.

Lightly smacking his cheeks to get himself out of his head, Brad began stripping out of his clothes. They were tossed into the hamper by the closet where a plethora of t-shirts and jeans were bunched together. A loose fitting pair of plaid pajama bottoms were slipped on. He reached to grab the matching button-up.

The sound of glass breaking, followed by a sharp wince, made him pause.

The strong smell of blood flooded into his nose.

Brad's body reacted before his mind, and he was in the kitchen before realizing what was going on.

Strong fingers wrapped around Leah's arm, bringing it up so he could inspect her injury, ignoring a mess of broken shards sitting in the sink. Aside from a few beads of red dripping down her pointer finger, however, there were no outstanding wounds to witness. Accelerated healing already made work of a series of small, sensitive cuts.

Biting the inside of his lip, Brad looked away when guiding Leah's finger under the faucet.

Her delectable scent clung to his nasal cavity.

"Are you okay?"

"I feel like I should be asking you that," Leah answered, sounding breathless. "...Your eyes went black."

"If you got a whiff of what I was smelling, you'd be ravenous too."

Brad's voice came out strained. His fingers trembled as he could feel a steady pulse beneath them. An unsteady exhale trailed off into a deep, unhinged growl. Persistent hunger built up, but not in the way he was expecting.

Now he understood what Marshall meant about having an unexpected reaction. And Brad hadn't even drank anything.

The tap was turned off. "Brad, I think you should-"

Leah's sentence was cut off, shifting into a surprised gasp in time with her body being picked up and pinned against the kitchen counter. Brad draped over her, shielding everything from outside view except for her splayed out hair and legs. Everything else was hidden from the world by Brad's larger form.

Any anxiety he was feeling beforehand melted away.

"Think I should what?"

Leah shivered in response to her imprint's darker, more dangerous tone. "You- the scent of my blood is making you feel a lot of heightened emotions. I get it. But, maybe we should- I don't think we should do anything crazy if you're not thinking clearly."

"My mind's never been clearer." Brad leaned down to press his nose against smooth, warm skin. The breath he released danced across Leah's exposed neck, goosebumps forming in response. "Just because you smell fucking amazing right now doesn't mean I don't have a grip on reality. Silly girl. I will say, though, I'm feeling a lot of things I never have before. And the more you look at me like that, the stronger these feelings are getting."

"L- look at you like what?"

"Like you want to pounce on me too."

"Too? I- I don't think you wanting that is the safest-"

"I'm not talking about your blood."

Leah's hands tightened into fists, and she gulped. "I'm not looking at you like that-"

"Don't lie to me, sweetie. I can see the desire building in your eyes. I can feel your pulse getting faster. I can feel your temperature rising. I thought it was common knowledge that I can read your body's signals, and how you show me much more than you tell me. There's no need to be shy about it."

"Well, I can't tell everything you're feeling, so..." Leah made eye contact, making it easier to see her blown out pupils. "Why don't you explain it to me?"

Chuckling, Brad cocked his head to the side, causing his curls to partially fall over his face. "Having you beneath me like this makes me feel like electricity is running through my body. I can barely keep still. I want to feel more of you. Hear more of you. I want to keep watching your cute face and see how many other expressions I can get you to make. Every second near you is crumbling my resolve. I've been starving- aching for you. And, now, I want nothing more than to get a taste of you."

With toes curling, Leah allowed her gaze to move down Brad's body, taking in the sight of his strong, bare torso. She silently traced each toned muscle with her eyes. Flawless skin felt heavenly against her thighs.

Temptation continued to grow between them.

"...I'm not one to pursue something like this, though, if you're uncertain in any way. If you are, you should say so. I can always go take care of this in the shower."

Leah couldn't help but giggle. "My, my. With how sweet and doe-eyed you are normally, it's kind of surprising to see you acting this way."

"You'll come to know certain circumstances awaken certain things in me." Brad made their lips brush against one another. "So tell me, hermosa. Do you want me?"

Instead of answering, Leah pushed herself up to close any remaining distance between them.

Letting out another growl, Brad scooped Leah into his arms to carry her, and they made their way to the bedroom together.