Chapter 12

It was seven before Lacey was ready to go. She flitted about the house, doing her morning routines, sneaking smiles at me. I couldn't help but feel a little worried about her meet with my family. What would they think of her? Would they accept her like they had Bella? Or would they disapprove? Her cheerful mood sent a small ray of light through my rather depressing mood.

Once she had everything ready, she ran to meet me by the door.

"All set," She smiled.

"I--" There was that smell. Wolf. Every cell in my body told me to attack, but I could only watch as he approached the porch and spotted me. I felt Lacey tense up beside me. She slowly slid a hand to my arm and answered the door.

He's still here? What is he doing with Lacey? His thoughts were interrupted by Lacey opening the door.

"Hi, Jacob," She tried to keep things quiet, as the rest of her family was still asleep.

"Hello, Lacey," He spotted the bag on her back. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going away for the weekend," She stood her ground. "That's all you need to know."

"Lacey, you're not going with..." His face twisted in disgust. He's holding some power over her...

"Yes, I am," Her face grew angry. "It's none of your business Jacob. So, what are you here for?"

"I came to see how your mother was doing?" His eyes never left me.

"At seven in the morning? I don't think so. You wanted to see if Edward was still here."

"Can I see you...alone Lacey?" He pulled on her arms and a snarled. She threw me a look and moved into the living room with the wolf behind her.

My excellent hearing did not fail me.

"Why him, Lacey? You've seen what he did to your mother!" He whispered angrily.

"I did. But he came back didn't he? He felt guilty enough, Jacob. I saw it in his eyes." Lacey fought back.

He sighed. "He's no good for you. Why don't you go after that Roger Brooke guy?"

"Because Roger Brooke is a vain, thick-headed, snob, who's only goal in life is to get into my pants!"

I wanted to find that Roger Brooke and strangle him. If he ever hurt her...

"I'm only trying to look out for you, Lace. I don't want to see you get hurt."

"What? Oh...I see. You think we're in love like he and mom were. We're just friends, Jacob." Her words cut through me. I shouldn't have been surprised. I didn't expect her to love me...I just thought...

I missed the rest of the conversation. She and the wolf were back in the kitchen. She held the door open.

"Goodbye," She waved and with one last angry look at me, he left.

She took a deep breath and let a smile take over her face. I tried to smile back. Her smile broke as she watched my sad attempt. She looked for some explanation in my face, but gave up.

"Shall we?" She held the door open.

"Running or driving?" I gave her the options as I switched places with her, so I was holding the door. She walked out.

"I'm feeling...dangerous. Let's run!" She made a sad attempt to run as fast I could off the porch and tripped. I caught her and laughed. She made a confused look, but climbed on my back, and we were off.

The wind blew hard against my face, the world blurred past us. I tried to enjoy it, but her words kept running through my head. Lacey held on tighter as she felt me tense up. Her hold felt so innocent that I couldn't help but feel responsible. Even if we weren't anything more than friends...I still had a duty to keep her safe. She was my responsibility.

We ran for hours, until finally, I saw it coming into view. I wondered what Lacey thought of it, or if she had her eyes closed. As it grew nearer, I swear I heard my heart beat from the anticipation. The questions came back and raced through my head.

When we came to a stop, Lacey didn't move. She stayed in the exact same position.

"Lacey?" I said gently. I moved her around so she was in my arms. Her eyes were closed. She looked so serene. Her hair was wild from the wind, but she didn't look shaken. I lifted a hand and ran my fingers through her hair. Her eyes fluttered open.

"Did I fall asleep?" She asked.

"I guess you did." I chuckled. Her brows furrowed together. She rolled out of my arms and into a standing position, she was wobbly, but she finally found her ground. She began to try and brush her hair with her fingers, but gave up. I fluently slid my hand into hers. She looked up at the house and took it in. She was still staring at it, as we walked to the front door.

I took a deep breath and reached for the door. It opened.

"Hello, Edward, we've been expecting you...and you're friend." The familiar face laughed.