Chapter 18

After I was sure the wolves had left, I emerged from the bedroom. I my expression was straight, showing no emotion. I cleared my throat and my entire family jumped. They had been "focused" on the TV.

Is he alright?

Edward...

Dude, you're paying for that wall.

You can't let my sister do this. Tina avoided my eyes, but I knew someone had told her I could read thoughts. I tried to focus in on Lacey's, but of course, nothing. She was sitting in a corner, she had on a black sweater over a white camisole. Her jeans had frays at the bottom. She was so beautiful, my heart ached for her. But, I stood my ground.

"I'm going for a walk," I informed them. Lacey's face was as emotionless as mine, but her eyes told me how she felt.

"I'm going with you," Rosalie stood. I tried to hide my shocked expression.

We need to talk. Her face told me she was coming whether I wanted her to, or not.

I nodded and we both headed for the door. When we had finally escaped the hotel lights, we found a little path through the woods. We followed it.

"You can't be mad at Lacey," Rosalie told me. "It's her duty to help. She has an ability that can help us win."

I only grunted.

"Edward, you have to realize that Lacey isn't as easily broken as Bella is. She's a very strong girl...and I mean very strong. She beat Emmett at arm wrestling!" She laughed at the image.

"How?" The Peace Keeper was stronger than vampires?

"The Peace Keeper must be able to fight both werewolves and vampires, I guess," I almost thought she'd read my thoughts.

We walked the rest of the way in silence. When we turned to head back to the hotel, it was my turn to speak.

"I'm not angry with her...I'm angry at myself. We live in such a dangerous world, I just couldn't bear it if she got hurt." I sighed.

"That's the same way you felt with Bella...and look what happened," I didn't understand what she was saying.

You left her. Rosalie's thoughts explained.

It was true. I had wanted to keep Bella so safe for my own selfish reasons, that I completely ignored her feelings, and left. I couldn't do that to Lacey. I'd made a promise to Bella. And I was not going to break anymore promises.

Back inside the hotel room, everyone was still in the same spot we left them in. Rosalie glided back to her spot next to Emmett. Lacey remained in the corner. Her face solemn, and her eyes focused ahead, as if she saw something through the wall.

I took a breath and made my way over to her. She did not look at me, only glanced. I gently grabbed her hand in mine.

"It's time for you to sleep," I smiled. She stood up, but let go of my hand. I saw her go into the bathroom and close the door. I understood her anger, so I sat down in the chair she had placed herself in before, and watched the bathroom door. Waiting for a sign that there was life behind it.

It was only minutes before she emerged, clothed in her pajamas.

"Goodnight," She called and went into the bedroom. I followed. When I slowly opened the door, I was surprised to hear her voice in the darkness.

"Come in, Edward," She sighed. I found her bed, and sat down next to her. I felt her hand pull me down so I was now lying next to her.

"I'm still going to fight," She said.

"I'm not going to stop you, but I am coming." I replied.

I gently laid my arm around her waist, and pulled her until she was directly against me. She didn't fight, and before long, I heard the sounds of her deep breathing. And there was no place in the world I would have rather been than here.