Hey all! This is the introduction for my new story "The Secret Lives of Guardians: A Dhampir Love Story" I hope you enjoy it!

Katherine Danielle Alto is named for two of my most faithful reviewers: VAcrazy13 and SKDanielle16

Disclaimer: VA belongs to the lovely and talented Richelle Mead.


"Katherine Alto."

I stood up and walked to the stage. I could hear all my friends cheering and I even heard a wolf whistle or two. I suppressed a giggle long enough to stand ram rod straight in front of Headmistress Rinaldi. "It is my pleasure to announce that Katherine Alto IS this year's valedictorian. She has asked to not make a speech, but in wanting to recognize her talent in some way, her father, Stan Alto, will be administering the oath."

My father stood in front of me with a proud smile. "Do you, Katherine Danielle Alto, promise to abide by the code set for the guardians of this society?"

I closed my eyes and concentrated. "I p-p-promise."

I reopened my eyes and saw concern slowly creeping over my father's face. "Do you swear to protect the Moroi at all costs? Even at the cost of your own life?"

I swallowed. I was suddenly filled with nervousness. Not over what I was swearing, but trying to say it. "I sw-sw-sw..." I took at another breath. Let's try that again. I thought to myself. "I ssssswear." I could feel tears threatening to fall. I ignored them though. I would write it off as being excited about today.

My father reached into the basket of stakes and pulled out a box tied with a ribbon. "Your mother and I are so proud of you... Guardian Alto"

"Thank you." I managed to whisper. I walked down the ramp and moved my tassel. I walked into the small room holding the tattoo artist. I closed my eyes as he did my promise mark. This was a perk of being valedictorian. Just me and the artist. I still can't believe that I had messed up so bad... I felt someone grasp my hand and squeeze. I turned my head to the side and saw my boyfriend of 3 years Jacob Anton. "Hey."

"So... you kind of freaked out there..."

I sighed. "I looked like a moron."

He squatted down and kissed me. "No one noticed. I'm sure."

"My dad did. YOU did."

"Kat... It isn't that big of a deal. It's just a quirky part of you. Everyone knows that."

"I don't want to be quirky! I want to be the best guardian I can."

"Anyone you get assigned to would be damn lucky. You make me wish I was a Moroi!"

"What about us?"

"What do you mean?"

"We are NOT going to be assigned to the same Moroi. When my parents got married, they didn't see each other for almost 5 years."

"Well, you just have to have faith that I love you and I need you to trust me. We will be back together one day. Look at your parents, yes, it was 5 years, but they have been married almost 30 years..."

I smiled. "True." I looked at the clock. I had to go greet a bunch of people I didn't want to greet. I got up from the tattoo chair and stood on my tiptoes to kiss Jake. "I love you. You know that right?"

He kissed me back. "I know you do. And don't forget that we still have all this week together."

I walked out of the room and to my parents who were anxiously waiting. "Mom!!! Dad!!!!" I hugged them both tight. "Well, do I look like a guardian?" I asked stepping back.

My father laughed. "I always thought you did. I am so proud of you Katherine."

I blushed. "Thank you." I looked at him seriously. "You probably have to get back don't you?"

"Actually, no. I am here for a few days. I want to spend some time with you before you go to Scotland."

"Why would I be going to Scotland...? Oh my God!!! I'm going to the Glasgow Academy?"

My mother nodded. "Yes. We had to pull a few strings, but they were more than happy to let you guard there."

"I'm going to have to write King Adrian and thank him!"

"He said there were no thanks necessary. He said you would probably be mad anyway."

I cocked my head. "Why?"

"He wants Jacob at the Court."

"The Court in Pennsylvania?"

My dad nodded. "Yes."

I blinked. "We figured we would be separated... but different continents?"

"Honey... your mom and I survived and we were married."

"I know I'll survive, that doesn't mean I have to like it."

My mom hugged me. "We figured something like this would happen, so we made you this."

She handed me a package and I slowly unwrapped it and read the title. "The Secret Lives of Guardians: A Dhampir Love Story." Their names were written below. I was confused. "What is this?"

"It is the story of how your father and I survived this long doing the type of work we do. If you are ever scared or confused or lonely, just read another chapter. It will let you know that everything is alright."

I smiled at them both. "Thank you. This means more to me then you could ever imagine. When can I start reading it?"

"On the plane. It will tell you a little more about Glasgow and why we wanted you there."

I nodded. "Thank you again. This is... this is amazing..." Now I was excited to go. I always wondered how they made it work as two Dhampirs raising a daughter while working in a dangerous career field.

Okay... so this is the introduction.

I know you are wondering who Stan is married to. It is two Dhampirs, but they have a daughter? Well, we'll have to wait and see! :)

It is going to be a weird set up. Ever chapter starts with Katherine writing to Jacob. The middle is Stan and his wife's (Almost typed her name!) viewpoint on a certain subject. Then it will end with Jacob writing to Katherine. If it doesn't make sense right now, just hang on. It will soon. I promise!

See you in the next chapter!