Chapter 20

Watching Victoria slowly die was disturbing, yet relief washed over me as she sank to the ground and the last of her "life" was sucked from her. Lacey fell soon after. I gave Bella a reassuring squeeze to the arm, and we both checked to see if Lacey was okay. I reached for her pulse, fearing the worst. But, I was relieved to find her pulse...running extremely fast. At first, I thought it was only because of the activity she had done. Then she began to cry and scream. I saw the bite, just below her left ear.

"No!" Bella screamed over Lacey. She began to cry.

I was torn. I would finally have a companion for all eternity, but I couldn't live with myself to take someone Bella loved so much. I rolled Lacey over, and lowered my mouth to her bite. Just like I had done so many years ago, I sucked the poison from Lacey. Her blood was tempting, but with enough memories of her and me, I was able to pull away once she was clean.

I waited, holding her hand tightly in mine. Bella's light sobs were the only sound. I felt her pulse, but she still wouldn't move. I tried to say she had just become unconscious, but something within me told me that she was doing something bigger, something was changing her. I realized the only thing to do was take her to the hospital and wait for her to wake. I lifted her from the ground and my eyes never left her face. The next thing I knew I was swiftly, but gently running. It soon began to rain, just as we reached the van. Everyone climbed inside, and I set Lacey lying down, head in my lap. I ran my fingers through her hair, gently stroking her arms, never leaving her side.

If she doesn't wake up, blood-sucker... Jacob tensed. I could feel it, but Jasper set a calm feeling out. I reluctantly relaxed. I could feel my face twist, attempting to cry, but no tears fell. I felt a warm hand on mine.

"She'll be okay," Bella reassured me. But, it seemed like she said more to herself, than to me. But the sentiment was there and I gave her a quick, small smile.

The whole way to the hospital, the memories Lacey and I had created played in my mind. Nothing else was there but Lacey. I heard no thoughts, saw nothing but her and I. And I wondered when she would wake.

A month later.

"Lacey, I don't know if you can hear me, but here goes." I whispered to her. The only sound in the room was the beep of her heart monitor, assuring me she was still alive.

"Nothing has been the same since the fight with Victoria. Jacob thinks that you're in a coma because I was being careless. And maybe I was. I should have fought harder to keep you from facing Victoria. I just...I wanted you to know that I trusted you. You're a strong girl, Lacey. You're also very beautiful, too.

You're mother says she doesn't blame me, but I can't imagine why. It really is. I'm the one to blame. You were my responsibility while your mother was held captive...and I failed." My voice was cracking, I gently traced the veins in her arm. "I love you, Lacey. More than any words could say. I'm just too dangerous for you. I don't know if I should leave. I promised your mother I..." I couldn't continue. I held my head in my hands. There was no right choice. I either left her and did to her what I did to Bella, or I stayed and just made her life more dangerous. Either way I lost.

I sat in silence for what seemed like any eternity, trying to decide what to do. I heard a small sniff. I raised my head to find Lacey, eyes partially open, and tears streaming down her face. I reached up to grab one, but she got hold of my hand, and pulled me close to her bed. She continued to pull me down until I was lying in the bed, her chin resting on my head, her arms around me. I felt her tears in my hair. I closed my eyes.

"It is not your fault," She whispered. "That's just bull Edward."

"I..." I couldn't think of what to say.

"Let me finish. Edward, I wasn't even in a coma. I was...drifting. It's something I apparently need to do every once in a while. When I drifted, I heard a voice. I couldn't see who it belonged to, there was only a bright light, but they told me all. They told me that I held the spirit of a great, old, and powerful being. They told me things I never knew about myself. About being a Peace Keeper. And Edward...they told me that I was supposed to stay with you. You are my protector." I felt her smile.

"I'm anything but that...Lacey I've put you in so much danger." She moved her hand up to my mouth and traced my lips.

"And you saved me from all of it." I looked up, and then moved around so we were both sitting up, but her head rested against my chest as I held her. "Edward don't you dare leave me, you'd put me in more danger than ever if you did."

"I never will," She looked up at me now and her lips reached mine. When we pulled away, she was smiling.

"Shall we tell them?" She asked.

"Yes, we shall." I smiled back.