Imprinting

Imprinting is behavioral phenomenon among shapeshifters where a shapeshifter finds his or her mate. A sexual act of claming a woman as their own.

Description
Imprinting occurs when a shapeshifter finds their mate. The moment the shapeshifter sees the one they are destined to be with, they imprint. It is described as having every connection with everything else severed and instead being only connected to this earth for the other person. After that, nobody else matters because you are only there for your other half, your soul.

If an imprinted person is killed by someone, the wolf who imprinted on them can never forgive the killer. If the killer happens to be another wolf from the pack, the wolves would have no choice but to fight to the death.

Stages
There are stages to imprinting, especially if the person on who the shapefifter has imprinted is young. If the person is young, the shapeshifter will act as an older sibling. As the person gets older, the shapeshifter will also come to be their friend. When the person is old enough, it is expected (though this hasn't been confirmed) that the shapeshifter's feelings will grow into love.

Reason for Imprinting
The reason for imprinting is unknown. Sam Uley believes that the person on whom the shapeshifter imprints is the person with whom the shapeshifter will be able to reproduce. Billy Black, however, thinks that imprinting is designed to make the werewolves stronger.

Known Shapeshifters who Imprinted

 * Sam Uley with Emily Young
 * Jared with Kim Connweller
 * Quil Ateara with Claire
 * Paul with Rachel Black
 * Jacob Black with Renesmee Cullen