Read my Author's Note at the end if you wish to know why I chose to write each ending as I did.

Vindicated - Extra

Alright here is a list of what I have done. Scroll to what you want to read or read it all! :S MUCH thanks to the reviewers who motivated me to add this to the story!

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Section 1: Epilogue

Section 2: *Alternate Ending 1 - more Jake/Bella friendly

Section 3: *Alternate Ending 2 - Jake/Shay pairing

*Both pick up at different spots in Part V

Section 1: Vindicated - Epilogue

Four Years Later…

Shay walked nervously into the backyard of Seth's mom's house hand-in-hand with Seth. She hadn't wanted the engagement party, but Seth begged her to let his mom and Leah throw it for them. He had been waiting for this moment for so long. Shay was finished with medical school and was back in Washington. For good. Seattle was a cakewalk for Seth to trot to in his wolf form (or drive to) versus the distance they had been doing for the last few years in their relationship. She would do her residency there and then move to La Push when she finished. Seth knew she would land a job at the hospital in Forks. Shay mentioned she had an "in" thanks to a medical school acquaintance when the time was right. Things were perfect.

All eyes were on the Alpha and his mate as they walked into the backyard and greeted friends and family. It was a joyous occasion. Seth pulled Shay around showing off his fiancé that all present already knew too well. But they humored Seth because the Alpha was excited. And when he was excited and happy, the rest of the pack felt it too. Seth was an abnormal Alpha with his happy disposition, but he was lethal when called for. Shay brought out Seth's best side too. Seth had become a stronger wolf after their odd imprinting relationship that perplexed the council members. It seemed as fate demanded it though because he quickly usurped Paul as Beta and then Jared as Alpha in a short time span after imprinting. It was almost a natural transition that didn't require Seth to exert his dominance. Jared had retired but Paul remained a wolf and was his beta. They had new pups to train and a responsibility that wasn't easing up any time soon.

Seth had explained the burden of being able to shift to Shay as his imprint. He and she wouldn't age until he stopped phasing. Like Jared, Jake and Paul. Shay accepted this and reasoned it would prolong her ability to help people with the medical skills as a doctor. Which made Seth even love her more, if that was possible.

A lovey-dovey moment between the two when Seth whispered all the things he wanted to do to her after the party was interrupted when Seth's sister demanded a speech. Leah wasn't fond of most people. But she liked Shay because Shay was the one person she found in this life that actually deserved her brother. So, she was on board with Shay becoming her sister-in-law.

Shay jabbed Seth in the ribs with her elbow to cut him off from delivering a speech first. She was going to take the lead. While she knew most people liked her with Seth, his friends, family and pack, she didn't believe they knew how much she loved him. For once, she wanted to share that with others and not just Seth.

Shay cleared her throat as she accepted a partially filled champagne glass from Leah with a nod of thanks. Leah's wink of encouragement and a quick glance at Seth's beautiful smile allowed Shay to have courage.

"When I came to La Push four summers ago, I was trying to look for some clarity on myself and my family history shared with the Quileute people. I was closed off and seemed a little robotic to most. I suppose I closed off a lot after my sister died. It went to an extreme in my teens I could never shake off. Then enters Seth Clearwater in my life. Persistent. Reading between the lines. I gave him a hundred reasons to give up. I gave nothing back despite his friendly efforts and somewhat flirty advances." Shay's eyes surveyed the crowd for a dramatic pause effect. She spotted Jacob Black in the crowd. She had no idea Seth invited him. It made sense though and her jaw locked for just a moment when they caught each other's gaze. She always felt uneasy around Jake and she couldn't understand why. "One day, he broke through my walls and finally wormed his way into my heart. When I gave in, I understood how real what we had was despite the frightening thought I was leaving across the country soon for medical school. When the summer came to an end, I ran away scared from Seth. I pretended to revert back to that emotionless girl, so he would give up and we could wake up to the reality that what we hadn't wasn't realistic with the distance. But Seth shows up after my first week of med school, and I couldn't help but lower my resolve to resist him and what we had. He fought for me and I didn't deserve it. It's different now. Every day I fight to be the best version of me to be worthy of this beautiful man who I conned into marrying me. I can't imagine life without him or a more perfect partner." Shay's green eyes glistened while she chugged the champagne in her hand to cover up whatever else word vomit wanted to escape her lips. She said what she needed to, and she hoped it was enough.

"You have it wrong. It was me that conned you, babe," Seth whispered into Shay's right ear before lightly nipping her neck in appreciation of her speech. God, she loved him, and she kept her wits about her from melting into a puddle of mush. Seth pulled away from her neck and he closed his eyes as he sniffed her hair and listened to the applause of her crowd. In the short second when his eyes were closed, Seth saw it all. He saw their wedding ceremony. Her finishing her residency in Seattle and moving to La Push. Three kids. Two boys. One girl. A splendid life. His heart was happy for whatever obscure reason that he was allowed to imprint on Shay and have her all to himself for the rest of his life. While he couldn't understand why it happened the way it did, he was sure there was a reason. And maybe they would discover it one day. She was his. And he was hers. Forever. As it should be. He kissed her head and raised his own champagne glass before beginning to thank their guests for their presence at the party.

When Shay and Seth split up to make their rounds of thanks when the party was nearing its end, Shay stumbled into the arms of Jacob Black when she tripped over a rock in the grass.

An imprint is a unique bond that is equivalent to an individual's DNA. What was once there, never completely goes away. The mind, soul and heart may not remember anymore. But the body does. The foundation laid when the bond solidified cannot be completely wiped out from every cell, tissue and muscle fiber. There it remembers. Fragments of dust that still linger and haunt the body. Revived by a touch. A flicker of a memory that cannot be recalled in the mind, but the body remembers what once was. As Shay removed herself from Jacob's arms, a flash of muscle memory occurs, and fades and they return as they once were and believe they ought to be. She belonging to Seth. And he belonging to Bella. Because they made choices. And in the end, choice by the intervention of Fate and Destiny trumped the imprint that would have changed the lives of the people of La Push.

Jacob watched Shay walk away and wondered why he couldn't say "congratulations" and his hands ached for a once familiar touch. "You made the wrong choice" echoes deep within the soul of Jacob Black but he shook it off. It made no sense. And it only rears its ugly head every now and then.

Section 2: Vindicated Alternate Ending 1 - more Jake/Bella friendly

Meanwhile back in La Push…

"…Destiny knew she couldn't retract her sister's addition to the ties of the future now woven. She added one last element. If Tahi Aki chose The Third Wife, they would recall their previous life to enhance their love in this second life. If Tahi Aki chose The First Wife but imprinted on The Third Wife, the Third Wife would be granted the power to release the imprint bond if she chose to. The severed bond would be open for another Wolf to connect with if The Third Wife allowed it. Because in the end, Fate and Destiny had a soft spot for the courage of The Third Wife. No matter how things unfolded, they wanted her to be happy if she was getting a second chance. And to be with a mate, worthy of imprinting on her strong heart."

Billy looked around the fire and observed indifferent faces on the wolves, intrigued faces on other elders, and love-struck faces on all the imprints and Bella Swan. It wasn't his most well received story, but Billy liked it.

Bella cleared her throat and all eyes were drawn to her. Bella's face flushed before she opened her mouth. "Billy, Imprint bonds can be other than just lovers from what I've been told. If Tahi Aki did imprint on The Third Wife but was with the First Wife before he met her, couldn't they be together but not as lovers?" Bella asked with just a genuine curiosity based on what she had been told about imprint bonds. Jacob pulled Bella in closer to his arms. He wasn't going anywhere. He hadn't imprinted before, and he wasn't ever going to. That he was sure of. He kissed Bella's hair with this silent promise.

Billy pursed his lips as he thought on her question. Bella was his future daughter-in-law. Billy wasn't naive. He read the innocence in her eyes that clung to Jacob's foolish belief he would never imprint. His answer would be telling. The snap, crackle and pops of the roaring bonfire was the only sound on the beach in the immediate proximity of the group as everyone waited for Billy to reply to Bella. Billy went with his gut as he briefly locked eyes with his son before responding to Bella.

"Maybe, Bella. I think it would depend on how strong his relationship was with the First Wife. It's possible their second chance could rival what Tahi Aki felt for the Third Wife. They would be meeting as different people in their second chance at life after all. That's just an old man's two cents though." Billy chuckled and offered Bella a reassuring smile while blatantly covering his true feelings over the legend and reincarnated souls of Tahi Aki and the Third Wife. Jacob's embellished scowl, not concealing his disdain for his father's choice of words to Bella, drove Billy to further reassure Bella.

"There is a reason the imprint bond isn't just told as a romantic link to someone. At the end of the day, honey, believe Jake. After all this time, you are always his choice." After saying his "peace", Billy tucked that legend into the further crevices of his mind while branding it as one legend to never repeat again when Bella attended one of these pack/council gatherings on the beach.

And in the background, the sisters Fate and Destiny marveled at the outcome of Tahi Aki and the Third Wife. While Tahi Aki missed the chance to reunite with the Third Wife, the sister's acknowledged that maybe Tahi Aki was wrong in his previous life. Or maybe, who he was today didn't need the Third Wife. Shay Ortiz should have been his perfect match in every way. Her soul and heart were the same. Yet Tahi Aki chose Bella Swan. He resisted the pull to Shay due to his strong love for Bella. Shay also denied her own pull to Tahi Aki thanks to Seth Clearwater who saw her true heart when Tahi Aki denied her.

In the end, Destiny was wrong. It wouldn't be the first or last time one or both of the sisters were wrong. But both sisters were happy that in the end choice made both couples happy.

This time, Fate and Destiny would just watch this time. No interference. They were intrigued to see how both love stories would unfold in the future.

Section 3: Alternate Ending 2 - Jake/Shay pairing

The brown eyes conveyed a blank stare on the exterior. Beyond the surface, Shay saw the torment swirling and begging to be released. She wanted to set Jacob Black free from that torment. "When I look into your eyes, I see your soul, Jake. I know that you're a good person and that you love Bella." Shay released her hand from his chin and guided it to wipe away the single tear trailing his smooth cheek. "After everything you've told me, it seems it's all about the wolf being what the imprint needs. I think I should be what you need, Jake. You need Bella. We hardly know each other. You don't need me aside from the unknown drive that compels you to protect me or whatever. I can protect myself. I can make myself happy. I don't need you or any man to complete me. You and Bella need each other. Break it. However you can with my blessing. We don't need to be bound to each other by some magic that says so." Shay returned her hand to her lap and clasped both hands together.

Jacob was conflicted. A clacking noise didn't drown out the unspoken words both were not saying as Jake drummed his fingers on the table top. "Why are you okay with this?" The gritty nature to Jacob's voice disarmed his resolve to pretend he was okay with what Shay offered. He had to know. He cleared his throat. "Is there not something within you screaming that you're saying the wrong words and making the wrong choice?" Jacob analyzed the aftermath of his pointed question to Shay. Her green eyes clouded with apprehension as a war raged within her. Jacob read everything off her eyes. There was not a secret she could hide with their bond. It was a curse and a blessing in this rare moment of when he needed to know the truth.

"What goes on within me is between me and myself. No need to concern yourself with it." Shay's flat response did not dissuade Jacob from seeking what he needed to hear. He knew he himself would have to offer up the truth as well. It was only fair.

"I have it within me. This pull that says I am making the hugest mistake of my life. I try to ignore it. The more time I spend with you, the harder it is to cast aside." Silence echoed between them when Jacob's fingers stilled and sprawled their reach to the coffee cup in front of him. He took a sip before daring to look into Shay's eyes once again. When his eyes met hers, she allowed a brief shared glance before looking away at the glass window to her right. Jacob took note of her full lips pressing into a straight line as she bit her bottom lip. Jacob counted that she took five shallow breaths before turning to face him again. She wet her lips with the tip of her pink tongue before drawing her lips up into a nervous smile.

"Fight it," she rasped without letting up her stare into his eyes. "Tell the bond who is in control. I support you, Jake. No matter the decision." Shay's left hand lifted to tuck a piece of hair wisping her face behind her ear.

Jake's fingers released their tense grip on the cup. He had resisted for so long wanting to do that himself. Stroke that stray piece of hair behind Shay's ear and allow his fingers to drift to her face to cup it. His body ached to give her more of himself. Sometimes, he was tired of fighting it. Like right now. "Even if I wanted to keep the bond?" His heart screamed betrayal while his mind was in a toss-up of what he was doing. His soul was taking charge for once with his imprint and it was not giving up. Not when she was here, and he was starting to feel whole again.

"Even that," she whimpered across the table with determined emerald eyes that could bring Jacob to his knees if she but asked him to.

"Why?" Jacob whined.

"Because I want you to be happy. That's what I want most of all, as crazy as it sounds. Deep in my soul, my heart will stay true to knowing I did what was best for you. That is what is best for me. End of story." And for once since Jacob Black had imprinted, his heart recognized why her. Its fight tapered down because it withdrew its blindfold and recognized the heart inhabiting Shay Ortiz. But it knew what Jacob could not deny, there were more casualties than just Bella with admittance of their bond with one another.

"What about Seth?"

"Does it matter when you choose Bella?" Jacob's head tilted as a confused expression twisted upon his face. Him and Shay were not on the same page at the moment it seemed.

"I want to know what would happen if I chose you instead?"

"Why even torture yourself with a what if?"

"Because...the more I sit here talking to you, the more I want to understand why you, Shay. Why the hell did I imprint on you and not Bella. Why?" Confusion and anguish intertwined together in his strangled voice. Jacob propped his elbows on the table and craned his neck down to rest his head in the palms of his hands. Little by little he was finding out the answer for himself, but it didn't make it less difficult to swallow none-the-less. He was lost until a comforting touch pulled him out of the abyss. It stroked his hair and offered him solace. Peace. Understanding. Everything he needed in that moment. And he knew only she could give it to him. He wanted to look up but another side desired to continue relishing her touch.

"I can't say I understand this shit at all. I won't pretend or say I have some sort of automatic love for you. But what I can say Jake...is that I have an understanding of you. I sense you when you're around. I feel what you feel. I get the sense that I knew you long before we first truly met. Like we have these old souls that are finally meeting again after so long." Jacob held back the tears threatening to fall down his cheeks at Shay's attempt to absolve his guilt which he didn't deserve. Her words. Her touch. It was everything to him in that moment. He was hanging on her every word. Hungry for more as her soothing touch filled a need in him he had denied for too long.

"I first attributed my ability to break through my feelings to Seth. But now finding out about the imprint, it all makes sense. You were the missing key. And after the bond solidified, I felt whole. In a way I hadn't felt since my sister died. Look, we don't need to be lovers. We can do the friendship imprint bond. That's maybe what we both need. Keep Bella but keep me in your corner if you need me. If you want..." Jacob was grateful his eyes were still shut. He felt broken by her suggestion. His heart, soul and mind for once were all in agreement and cried together in protest. They stopped short of vocalizing their opinion because they knew Shay was right. They owed both Bella and Seth more. He swallowed his need to object and instead replied, "Okay. Yeah, let's try that. Bella is going to take this hard."

"Do you have to tell her?" Shay withdrew her hands from Jake's scalp. Her innocence and need to protect Bella from the truth made his heart melt further for this girl in front of him.

"She is smart. She'll figure it out sooner or later if I don't," Jacob answered diplomatically as he lifted his head up and laid his eyes on Shay. Shay nodded and informed him that she would like to be the one to tell Seth. They would figure it out together.

For the first time since knowing each other, they hugged when they departed each other's presence. The hug by all accounts lasted five seconds, but they both knew those five seconds changed something within them. It ignited the bond and their need for one another in their lives. But they didn't speak on it when they parted.

Under any other circumstances, the note Jake found when he returned home would have torn him apart and destroyed him. But upon reading it, Jake felt relieved and thankful for once in his life to Edward Cullen. Bella knew about the imprint. Edward came back and told her and confessed his never-ending feelings towards her. Bella left him. For the bloodsucker. And while it hurt because Jake loved Bella and probably always would, he now accepted that he would come to love Shay more. As Bella felt towards Edward and in his heart of hearts, he always knew this. There was a reason Bella was destined for Edward. Because Jacob was destined for Shay. But he knew the road to winning her heart wouldn't be easy. He still needed time and Shay had to sort things out with Seth. He would not make her choose between them. He now could accept the consequences and be there for Shay as she needed him. And for now, that was a friend and he was more than happy to be that with her.

Shay was delayed in telling Seth about the imprint right away because she still continued on to Seattle to meet her parents and began to repair their fragmented relationship. She had hope to restore the happiness between them all as a family. The love had always been there at least and laid the foundation for her to rebuild their relationships on.

When Sunday came and she returned to the Clearwater's household, Shay combatted her need to be nervous. It would be fine she reminded herself. Seth would understand. It was just a friendship imprint bond. It would not impact them just like it would not impact Jake and Bella's relationship.

She found Seth sitting on the living room couch in front of the tv. He flashed her a brilliant smile that lit up the room before she settled into the couch under his arm. She snuggled into his hold and took a deep inhalation of his smell. It calmed her. This was Seth. He would take it like a champ. He fought for her all summer and it worked out. This would be no set back after everything they already had overcome. She kissed his warm, rosy cheek just above his dimple before she divulged the imprint and every detail that supported the long, complicated story that drove them to where they were today.

Seth's grip never wavered in its strength around Shay. She perceived that as a good sign when she finished everything that needed to be said. The truth was out there, and they could now move on from it.

Panic spiraled through Shay when Seth removed his arm from around her. His lap now supported fingers that intertwined together as Shay silently pleaded to Seth to return his touch to her, to assure her they would be okay.

"He doesn't deserve you," Seth whispered in defeat into Shay's hair before planting a kiss on her head. "But I have to give you guys a chance." Shay sagged back into the couch cushion behind her. Devastation rippled through Shay as she fought back the shock and disbelief over what she just heard come out of Seth's mouth.

"Seth, I already told you we decided on a friendship imprint." Shay's voice cracked while she defended what they had.

"Tell me that in a year and I will believe you." Seth distanced himself from Shay on the couch.

"You don't mean that." Overwhelmed, Shay tugged on Seth's arm to fight this reality, but he shook off her grip. And in that action, he shook her resolve to persist on. Because at some point, Shay had to be given something back. She wasn't the type to humiliate herself when she could tell she was no longer wanted.

"I do. In a year, you tell me it's just friendship and we can pick up where we left off. But Shay, I owe it to you, not him to see what your imprint can really be. But I swear he doesn't deserve you for what he did. He doesn't." Seth stood up and began to walk away from Shay. She internally cursed Seth for making this sacrifice when right here and now she was telling him what she wanted. She wantedhim. She had to make one last plead of her case. One more desperate attempt to offer him a chance to take it all back. She wouldn't risk another rejection of his touch. But she still jumped off the couch and ran to cut off his path to his bedroom. She demanded a clear and strong voice to come forth for this Hail Mary attempt.

"Please don't give up now, Seth. Please!" Shay begged as she lifted her face to meet his unwavering gaze.

"I'm not giving up," Seth reassured her with a strained smile. "I am just waiting for you. One year." Seth kissed the top of Shay's head and then gently pushed her to the side before opening and closing his bedroom door. When the lock clicked on the handle, Shay knew Seth was dead serious about his one-year policy.

Shay needed to talk to Jake. He could explain everything to Seth and make Seth understand. But first, Shay went to her room to pack up her clothes and possessions. She packed up eight weeks of the summer spent in La Push into two suit cases. Shay was almost done. She pulled out a thank you card from the desk across from her bed where she kept all the books she read over the summer. Where Seth liked to bug her when he thought she was working too hard. Shay uncapped a pen from her purse and began to scribble a note of thanks for the Clearwater's hospitality over the summer. When she finished, she put the card in its envelope and laid it front and center on the desk.

Shay didn't stop at Seth's room to say goodbye on her way out because he knew what today was and he chose not to exit his room the entire time Shay was still there. She did stop in Forks on her way to the Airport in Seattle. She texted Jake before she was to arrive.

At Jake's apartment, Shay learned of Bella leaving Jake and she decided to swallow her need to request Jake to talk to Seth. She needed to be what Jake needed. Her selfish desire to fix things with Seth would have to be put on hold. It was what Seth wanted in the end despite how she begged him to not let her go. She just had to wait a year and maybe it would all work out.

Almost one year later…

Shay returned to La Push after taking her spring semester finals, as she wrote to Seth in an email she would. Seth never responded to her. She kept her communication to him strictly by email because it stung less than when he didn't return her calls or texts.

Shay waited on a park bench three miles away from his house as she detailed in her email. It had been close enough to a year. She was eight weeks short to the official marker, but she didn't want to waste a whole summer not being with him. She had waited patiently, and it was time he stopped being stubborn about this. Didn't she prove her resolve to him yet?

Half an hour past her requested meet-up time, Shay began to feel the sting of rejection trickle from her eyes and strangle her heart. When Shay's ears picked up on the pitter-patter of footsteps near her, she jerked her head to the source of the sound.

"Jake?" Jake offered her a familiar sunny smile and while she was confused by his appearance, she felt comforted he was here.

"He's not coming, Shay."

"Why?" Shay's voice cracks and she hated her current display of weakness. But of all people, she knew Jake would understand.

"Because I asked him to." Jake sat in the open seating next to Shay on the park bench. "Shay, you're my best friend." A soft smile enveloped Shay's pink lips in agreement with Jake. "We've been through a lot this last year. You helped me get over Bella. We've gotten to know each other more and supported each other. I came out to visit you during your school semesters." Shay nodded and her heart bloomed with joy as Jake recounted their growth with one another over the last year. "What I did back then with our bond, it was the decision of a scared teenager who thought he was doing what was right."

"Hey, I know. It's okay, Jake. I understand why you did it. You don't have to keep defending that decision to me."

"But I am not apologizing to defend it. I am apologizing because I was wrong." Shay's heart stilled. Jake had apologized many times over what he did but this was the first time he admitted that he made the wrong choice. "I should have let it form. I should have given you a chance. We could have started out as friends like what we have now. But I was scared of what I imagined then but can confirm now."

Shay tilted her head to the side in confusion as she studied Jake's face. "And what's that?"

"I don't want just a friendship. I want more. I was the driver for this decision. You wanted to be what I needed. But Shay, what do you need? If you want just friends, I can do that. But if you want more, I am dying to prove how much better I can be and be all that you deserve."

"You chose Bella over me from the beginning."

"That was a mistake. I didn't know. If I had never met Bella, I swear we would have taken a different path with one another."

"Why do you want more than friends with me?"

If Seth had fought for Shay when he was supposed to, she wouldn't have been in this predicament today. But Seth walked away. He rejected Shay's choice. She wanted someone to fight for her. Yes, Jake was seven years late. She understood why. Or maybe it was the imprint imploring her to be understanding. With Seth, she didn't understand. He had her heart, and he would have kept it if he decided to give them a chance versus thrusting her in Jake's arms.

Shay knew she loved Jake. It was easy to. Natural. Like it was always meant to be. She fought on how much she could love him because of Seth. She held on to the man who saw who she was when she was void of emotions. Who fell for her when most couldn't get past her obscure behavior. Seth was rare and she couldn't let him go so easily. But once again, he made the choice for her. He let her go as promised- a year to hold off. And Shay waited because of who Seth was to her. She denied feelings for Jake because of him. Today, when he should have been here, he turned away. He didn't fight and Shay was growing tired of fighting for him when it seemed he had given up on her.

Shay listened to Jake's answer to her question with an open heart that was no longer obstructed by Seth Clearwater. She released him and allowed herself to see what Jake offered. And as she listened, her heart absorbed every word and repaired and improved. It began to beat stronger knowing everything Jake was willing to offer her.

Letting go of Seth, she accepted Jake's love and acknowledged this by kissing him on the lips. As their lips met and love for once was on equal grounding between the both of them, their destiny unfolded.

The locks on the history of their souls were released and Tahi Aki and the Third Wife were flooded with the memories of their previous life. Shay and Jake broke from one another in shock and their eyes reflected all the long-forgotten memories of the souls who had longed to belong to one another again since the day they were born. Jake wrapped his hands around Shay's face and brought her face close to his own. "I am so sorry, my love. I am so sorry. I tried for so long to tell him it was you we were looking for. I have missed you and waited for you for so long."

Tears streamed down Shay's cheeks as she nodded in understanding. "I know," she choked out in reply. "We found our way back and this time we won't waste another moment. I love you."

"I love you too."

Shay and Jake each blended two souls into one as the present soul understood the past and the past soul claimed they would set the future right. There were secrets of their tribe long forgotten that Tahi Aki would remind his people of to usher them into a time of prosperity. He would lead his people and reclaim the true Alpha title always destined for him.

Jake kissed Shay's lips with a feverish passion as he thanked the gods for this second opportunity with his beloved. His imprint. His soulmate. His other half. Life would have not been what it should have if he hadn't found her again. This time he had a great appreciation that it didn't come so easily. He would do right by her in this life as she deserved.

Jake abandoned Shay to tell his father and the council of what had transpired. Shay decided to go for a walk outside the Black's house while offering Jake privacy to tell Billy about their past. Shortly after walking around the neighborhood, Shay came across Seth. A grateful atmosphere enveloped her as she understood now that Seth had made the right decision in the end. She couldn't see it before, but now she saw it clearly. And she was thankful for him making the decision that she could not make herself.

Seth hesitantly walked towards Shay with an uncertain smile on his face. Shay wasn't sure how to explain everything that happened, but she felt like she didn't need to. Seth understood.

Standing in front of each other, they both just smiled. Each communicating the silent reason behind it with their eyes. No words were needed to be shared. But still, Seth had something to say anyways. "It was hard to let you go. But I am happy I did. Seeing you now, I am vindicated. Be happy, Shay. You deserve it."

"As do you," Shay replied before leaning in to kiss Seth on the cheek. She turned away before she found the courage to finish her train of thoughts. Thank you for seeing me when no one else did. It was unnecessary to speak on. Seth knew. And he would always have a place in her heart because of it. She hoped he would imprint one day and find the same happiness she had. And she ignored the small whisper from the depths of her soul that reminded her that he saw her when Jake had not. It was faint and could be easily ignored. Because she found her true love and she chose to be happy with that as she let go of Seth Clearwater officially.

REALLY The End This Time

;)

Author's Note:

1. This isn't a Pro Jake/Bella story (obviously) and their relationship over coming Jake imprinting.

2. This isn't a pro Seth/OC story.

3. This is a story that delves into the effects of the imprint based on what I was inspired by in the "Imprint Chronicles" {now removed from FF :( }. What are the depths of the effect based on my interpretation for this story.

I understand some (possibly many!) readers may feel unsatisfied with every ending option. But that was the point when I wrote this. Because of Jake's action in the first scene of Part I, there can never be a truly "happy ending". There is no vindication. (Also this story was partially inspired by the song Vindicated by dashboard confessional). There is always a missed opportunity or some lingering effect of Seth or Jake no matter which one Shay ends up with. I didn't write an ending where Seth imprinted and the truth of Jake/Shay's past was revealed because Jake didn't deserve to know. It was the price he paid for choosing Bella in this story. Because if it had been revealed, it would have caused a lot of chaos and perhaps created hostility between Jake/Seth and not been favorable to Bella/Jake's relationship. Also, I am a sucker for a not so happy ending and teasing about Shay still feeling the first imprint bond with Jake when with Seth or her heart reminding her that Seth saw her when Jake denied her even though they were destined to be together. That sh*t always gets me in the feels. Also, having Bella leave in the Shay/Jake ending was 100% a total cop out because that ending was already long enough and I didn't care to write more words about how Jake/Bella broke up. Laziness at its finest as an author. Well, so it goes. That's all. I enjoy reading the lengthy reviews on the ending of this story even if they aren't all favorable. I feel honored when someone takes the time to delve into where I took this story and question how I did it. I like that it seems unique/different to some readers. This was supposed to be a one-shot so I kinda pulled this ending out my butt after Part III because I had NO IDEA how this story was going to end. It could have been longer and did a lot more digging into things but I didn't want to do that. Sometimes it's nice to write a shorter story. You know? In the end, I feel glad I did this. Sometimes, an author can agree some alternate endings are appropriate and cool to do. So, read at your pleasure. Thanks for reading! Share any thoughts or criticism on where I took this story if you have anything to share – Lalaland972

Deleted Start to Alternate Ending Two (unedited):

"Why would you do that?" Jake asked Shay. Not daring to raise his head to meet her eyes.

"I see your pain and I don't want be the source of that."

Jacob remained silent. "I do kind of wonder what would have happened if you weren't with Bella when you imprinted in me. How different things would be now."

"You and me both. I wondered if it would have been easier to give in. Fighting it was so hard. Especially when you were near. I am even fighting it now."

Shay's eyebrows arched in curiosity. "How so?"

Jacob nodded his head and directed it to her hands. "I have been resisting reaching out to hold them this entire time."

Shay's breath hitched. "You too?" Shay watched Jake nod in reassurance. "Why is it like this? Is it normal between imprints?"

"Sort of. But also not. The pull is what I have heard about before from my friends. But...this bond with you seems different, stronger than what I know the others shared with their imprints. It is frightening."

"You're going to have to give me more Jake. I am not following."

"I feel your emotions when I am not with you. When you're scared, happy, sad and everything in between. I can pinpoint where you are when I close my eyes. I am drawn to you, always. I fight it every step of the way. Every god damn step. And I am growing tired of it. That and lying to Bella. I never told her imprinted."

"I get why not."

Jake slammed his fists on the table. "Stop being so understanding! It's only making me feel worse. Be mad at me. Or upset I am not willing to try."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"I just want you to be happy, Jake. Something deep inside me wants to protect you, always. If this is a way to protect you, then this is how I do it. I set you free. We figure out a way to break the bond. Because I think both you and I can tell...this isn't a friendship or sister/brother imprint."

Guilt streaked through Jake, unforgivably. He knew the truth in Shay's words. As soon as he first saw her, he was unnaturally attracted to her. When the bond was allowed to form, he had a desire to do things he should only do with Bella. Then there was the fact the Shay and Seth were beginning to form something. They both chose their paths. Fate wouldn't have its way with this imprint, he was sure.

"I know. What do we do?"

"We'll figure it out." Shay's bright smile encouraged Jake to believe in her. "What would happen if you told Bella the truth about the imprint?"

"I have wrestled with that question a million times over. I think she would leave me. She has always been scared about it happening. And knowing I hid it from her all these years would only make it worse to her."

"But if she really loved you, she would stay? She would fight for you, right?"

Jacob's smile was tight as he shrugged his shoulders. "I would hope so."

"You're worth fighting for, Jake. Even after a mess like this. She would understand why you did what you did. I would."

"That's easy for you to say when you're the imprint."

"Maybe so. But that's my job, right? To support you."

"It shouldn't be when I have done a shit job for you, as your imprint."

"I know no one else knows, but maybe you should talk to your father. He might know a way that it can be undone."

"It's impossible, Shay."

"We try though." Shay extenders her hand across the table to shake on this agreement.

"We try," Jake agreed as he took Shay's hand. When their palms touched, Jacobs body usually a jumbled state of frazzled inner workings calmed down as it felt at home. And when two shakes had passed, both Shay and Jake were reluctant to let go.

Shay receded first. Jake stuffed his own hands back into his cargo shorts pockets. "I should go. I am meeting up with my parents. I am already late but should still be able to see them this evening."

"Do your parents live around here?"

"No. They live in Colorado. We are just meeting up along their road trip in Seattle."

"Fun. Well, drive safe."

Shay laughed. "Well, you will know if I don't, right?"

"Right."

...