15 You Think I Want to What?

"Well, thank you for coming." Lacey rose from her seat.

Madame Pomeroy didn't budge, not taking the hint. "How do you like my designs?"

Lacey turned her attention back to the clothing design sketches. "They look great." Then she turned to one and pointed. "But there's no need to make the wedding dress right now."

The strange woman tilted her head to the side. "Why ever not?"

Lacey sighed. "Because I don't intend to marry Julien until some things change." She closed the portfolio and handed it back to the woman. "But the rest of the designs are exquisite. Thank you."

"Well...." The woman rose from her seat. "Welcome to the Harvest Moon Pack. It was nice to meet you, Princess. I'll have your clothes delivered soon.”

"Thank you so much." Then Lacey had an idea as she gave the woman a mischievous smile. "I'll walk you out."

The woman smirked, obviously knowing what Lacey was up to. "That would be wonderful." Then she looped her arm in Lacey's and whispered, "I think I might start on the wedding dress anyway. You know... just in case."

Lacey rolled her eyes and smiled. Even though she had just met the woman, she already liked her. Lacey opened the door and Madame Pomeroy walked out slowly, holding on to Lacey.

Julien was on his way up the stairs. When he saw Lacey with the woman, he paused, smirking as he continued to the top to greet them, obviously knowing what they were up to. Luckily, he was amused. "Madame Pomeroy." He took her hands and kissed both of her cheeks. "It's always a pleasure." Then he smiled at his pledge. “Lacey.”

Lacey just about fell over. As mean as he had been to her, it was nice to see that he could be nice to someone. Lacey assumed that he must have known her for quite a while.

The older woman nodded. "The pleasure is mine." Then she patted Lacey's arm. "The Princess was just escorting me out. You don't mind, do you?" Yes, she had just poured salt on the wound. Lacey knew she liked this woman.

“Not at all!” One corner of Julien’s lips curled into a smile as he looked between Lacey and Madame Pomeroy, clearly amused. "How lovely. When can we expect the honor of your presence again?"

"Who knows when I might pop up?" There was a twinkle in her eye as she gave him a sweet smile. "Until then."

He nodded. "Until then."

She started out with Lacey beside her as Julien passed by, but then she turned around. "Make sure you take good care of this little lady. Will you?" She patted Lacey's hand on her arm, looking at her with affection. "She's a keeper."

Julien chuckled. “Yes, indeed. Well... come see us again soon."

Madame Pomeroy nodded. "Good day." Then she headed down the stairs, holding on to Lacey. When Julien was gone, she released her arm and started walking normally, when a moment before, she had appeared to be frail and in need of help.

Lacey smiled, knowing that the woman had just helped her escape. She looked at the woman and smiled. "Thank you."

Madame Pomeroy lifted a shoulder. "Why, whatever do you mean?" Then she looked at Lacey with a sly smile and gave her a wink as they both shared a laugh. But Lacey had a feeling that Julien was on to them and found it amusing. When they reached the front door, she patted Lacey's hand. "Well, this is as far as you go... for now." Then she bent close to whisper in her ear. "It'll get better. I promise. Just give it time." She leaned in close, lowering her voice. “Give him time.”

Lacey smirked. "It appears that's all I have."

The woman nodded. "I'll send you the clothes soon."

"Thank you so much." Lacey gave her an air kiss over both cheeks. "It was a pleasure to meet you. Please, come back to visit soon."

“You can count on it.” The woman nodded as her driver opened the front door. "Well, my ride's here. Have a lovely day." After she said her last goodbyes, she was gone.

As soon as the front door closed, Julien walked purposefully toward her. "Well played,” he smiled, clearly amused.

Lacey returned the smile. "I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She walked toward the dining room, knowing that the kitchen wouldn't be far away.

All of a sudden, Julien grabbed her arm and spun her around, and she landed hard against his chest. But he made no effort to push her away. Lacey hated to admit it, but she liked the feel of being in his powerful arms, and her wolf liked it even more.

"And where do you think you're going?" he stared into her eyes.

"To get something to eat." She tried to pull away, but he held her tightly against his chest, not releasing her. She sighed, looking up at him. "Look. You can follow me if you want, but I need to eat, one way or another. So, you can either let me go to the kitchen or out to hunt. Hey! Why don’t we go hunting together?”

He moved a strand of hair away from her eyes. “Not right now, but soon.”

Her wolf loved the idea of running alongside this man whom she had already claimed as her mate. And Lacey the feeling of finally being free appealed to her, too. She hated being caged just as much as her wolf. "Julien," Lacey lowered her voice. "I have an idea."

"What?" He looked down at her with lust in his eyes and his breath quickened. As he looked at her, she thought he might kiss her, and she honestly didn't know if she would kiss him back or deck him.

"I want to be a Warrior Trainer, just like I was back home in my pack."

His arms fell to his sides, quickly releasing her, breaking the spell of the moment. "You think I’m going to let you train my warriors? To be with men day in and day out... alone?" He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her hard to his chest, letting out a low growl. Lacey wasn't sure if it was a lusty growl or an angry growl, but her wolf nearly jumped out of her chest with want. He stared down at her, pressing her breasts against his chest. "You just got here, and you're already thinking about having an affair?"

"What?" Lacey's voice rose nearly three octaves as she pushed him away. "No! I just want to be useful! You broke my tablet, took my phone, and I'm stuck up there in my room with just a bathroom... and you think I want to have an affair?" She scoffed, pointing at him. "You're crazy… I mean… there's something seriously wrong with you." Then she turned around and walked away, but Julien was in front of her in a flash, blocking her way.

"Never... ever... say that to me again." Then he took her hand and pulled her toward the kitchen, stopping before the closest chef. "She hasn't eaten anything. Can you get her something?"

The chef shrugged. "Sure! But she could always hunt if she wants."

Lacey looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. "Would you like to go with me?"

A low growl erupted from deep within his chest as he stared into her eyes. Then his head snapped up, looking at the chef. "Just… just…." He waved a hand at her. "Feed her... whatever she wants!"

When he turned and walked away, Lacey knew there was hope for them yet.