Author's note: All characters belong to Stephenie Meyers and Disney.

Sorry its been so long but hopefully I'm back and will be updating more regularly. I apologize if the quality of writing is a little subpar but like I explained previously, I haven't been writing since I left here. I'll try to get back into the swing of things as soon as possible.

anyway this chapter might not be the most exciting but I promise good things are coming. I will be writing Jake and Alex's trip to Forks as well as Harper and Zeek's date. Please don't give up on me yet =)

Thanks for reading! Please review

Chapter 24 – Where do we go from here?

"Your parents are coming. They must have seen Mason leave or heard our argument."

I think cant think clearly. I don't know what to do. I don't want them to make Jake leave but I don't want him to hide. I need him here to explain but I also don't want to explain.

"It's okay."

He says, noticing my internal panic and pulls me back into his arms. I fight with all my might to stop the new wave of tears that are forming behind my eyes.

Within seconds my parents burst through my bedroom door without knocking and I hold onto Jake harder.

"Alex! Are you okay?"

My dad says and places his hand on my back. Jake doesn't let go and I don't loosen my grip on him. I nod into Jakes chest.

"What happened? Mason was bleeding, he said he's going back to the wizard world."

My mom says, looking around my room for a clue as to what happened.

"I thought you went home Jake?"

My dad asks, looking at him suspiciously.

"I came back, and thank god I did."

"What happened? Alex why are you crying… what did Mason do!"

My dad's anger is building as he begins to grasp the situation and beneath my cheek I can feel the slight buzz of Jakes body as his anger too starts to build again, but I can't bring myself to voice what happened.

*Jake*

I fight with everything in me to block out the images of Mason pressed against Alex when I came in through the window, but I can't stop the small shakes running over my skin. I want to rip his head off for what he did but Alex needs me to be calm, she needs me to take control of this situation for her.

"Mr. Russo… Mason…he…"

"Did he hurt her?"

"He… stepped out of line… he… forced himself on her."

I force out through clenched teeth, my shaking accelerating. Alex's parents eye me warily as I shake.

"I came in time to stop him before he got completely out of hand."

"I'll kill him!"

Her dad says, looking angrier than I'd ever imagined he could be. He's such a goofy guy all the time, so kind, but right now... I've never see this man. And I pray this side of him is never directed at me.

"Oh sweetheart"

Mrs Russo comes quickly to her daughter's side and steals her from my arms making my muscles tighten in protest. I don't want to let her go but know I have to. Her mom cradles her head to her chest and strokes her hair but behind her Alex reaches out for me and I grab hold of her hand as she gives it a small squeeze.

"I'm going after him"

Her dad turns to leave but Alex quickly breaks out of her mother's arms and shouts after him

"Daddy don't! Please!"

Her right hand still in mine she uses her free hand to wipe away her tears. Mr. Russo pauses in the hall and looks back at her torn.

"He's going back to the wizard world. Just let him leave and lock the door. I want him gone and I don't want him to ever come back but don't hurt him. I'm fine I promise. It was just a kiss that got out of hand. I'll be fine he just scared me."

"Alex he…"

"Please dad. I just want to go to sleep and pretend none of this ever happened."

He's visibly conflicted but eventually gives in to Alex's wishes. She seems to have that effect on everyone, not just me. I get the feeling a lot of people will do anything to make her happy.

" Are you sure your okay? Alex honey… tell me what to do to make this better." Her mother pleads brushing Alex's hair behind her ear.

Alex looks over at me with red eyes and tearstained cheeks and it makes my chest tighten. I give her hand a reassuring squeeze and she turns back to her mom and dad with pleading eyes.

"Can Jake stay… I … don't want to be alone."

Her parents share a long look that only they can seem to understand. I stop breathing in preparation of their answer. I pray they let me stay because I can't leave her like this but can't imagine they would willingly let a guy, no matter who he is, sleep in their daughter's bed.

"This door stays open… at all times. I mean it."

Her dad says looking sternly at me and I nod.

"Yes sir."

Alex lets go of my hand and embraces her dad

"Thank you."

She whispers before hugging her mom too.

"I promise I'm okay I just don't want to be alone… just in case…"

"I'll lock the portal."

Her dad says, cutting her off. He kisses her on the forehead before giving me a warning look on his way out the door.

"Goodnight sweetheart. Try and get some rest."

Alex nods and we stand there unmoving as her parents disappear down the hall. When they are out of sight she turns to me with a sad smile.

"Why does this always happen?"

I look at her confused

"Why does what always happen?"

"I keep hoping that we'll get to… but… something always ruins our nights together. "

I give her a small smile with a hint of mischief. She was hoping to make out and maybe fool around a bit tonight. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have the same intentions.

"Don't worry babe, we've got a lifetime of nights to fool around."

Finally a small genuine smile forms on her lips and the sight of it brightens mine.

"Come here."

I say taking her by the hand and pulling her into my arms. Automatically her arms encircle my waist and she presses her cheek to my chest.

"You gonna be okay?"

She looks up at me with those gorgeous brown eyes and I brush her hair from her face to get a better look at them.

"As long as you're here I know I'm safe. You'll always protect me so I know I'll be okay."

My heart swells with pride. I love that she's confident that I can protect her. She's my imprint and I would do anything to make sure she is happy and safe. I smile genuinely at her as her arms come from around my waist, up my chest, and around my neck as she pulls herself up on her tiptoes to press her lips to mine. Wrapping my arms around her waist to tightly hold her against my chest I stand tall, lifting her feet from the ground. I can feel her smile against my lips. Pulling back from the kiss she looks at me meaningfully, her feet still off the ground.

"I love you… you know that right?"

She asks me and even though I do know she loves me my heart accelerates at the words.

" I had a feeling you might."

I tease and she smiles before letting out a small yawn.

"Let's get some sleep. It's been a long night."

She nods and I place her gently back onto her feet.

I watch Alex climb into her bed, admiring how small her purple silk pajamas are before quickly pulling off my t-shirt. I start unbuttoning my jeans when I realize I again don't have any boxers on. I really have to start wearing those again even if it makes it harder to phase quickly without ruining them. I stand there with my pants half undone for a few awkward seconds before Alex notices.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm not wearing any…"

She rolls her eyes and laughs before reaching over to her nightstand and pulling out her wand. Within seconds I'm suddenly standing there in a pair of pink boxers with bunnies on them. I look down assessing the horrific boxers before smirking up at Alex whose laughing genuinely on her bed.

"Oh your hilarious."

I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. I climb into to bed with her and pull her giggling self into my chest. I kiss her gently as her laughter starts to subside. She smiles at me and runs her fingers across my chest. Her eyelashes flutter as her eyes begin to grow sleepy.

"Goodnight Alex"

"Promise you wont leave."

"I swear."

I pull her tightly to my chest and rest my cheek on the top of her head. Within minutes her breath evens out and her heartbeat slows and I know she's asleep. Finally I drift off into a peaceful sleep.