A/N – This is set about two months after I Never Knew and is kind of a love triangle at this point but soon turns to more! I want to thank a good friend of mine for helping me with all the details and getting to grips with Christian's character. You helped a load!

Big surprises in this and I still need my lemon so the competition is still open! Look, just send me any lemon you have please! I haven't got any so far! This story will be updated sooner if I get them!

Disclaimer – Richelle Mead owns everything except for the story line and extra characters.

Chapter 1

Rose POV

A couple of moths had passed since I received the letter from Adrian. It had been an amazing couple of months too, because I now realised I was meant to be with Adrian. Dimitri had let me go and then gone off to contact Tasha Ozera about her offer.

Tasha had gracefully accepted because she had never fully gotten over Dimitri. Now it was just me and my man – Adrian Ivashkov.

At the moment he was practising Spirit in his room with Lissa. I was excited about tonight because we had agreed it would be our first time together and it was going to be a really special event for us. We only agreed it would be tonight though because I was graduating in two weeks and I would be guarding Lissa so we wanted to have as much time together as we could. Adrian was coming to live at Court with us though and had just won a very heated conversation with his great-aunt (the Queen) about us having a house together.

I was sitting in my room putting the last touches to my make-up. I was wearing short denim shorts with black tights on underneath, and my top was blue with the words Bite Me Baby on in pink. I thought it was a good joke and I didn't know if Adrian would actually bite me, I hoped so. Over that was my You Me At Six hoodie. You Me At Six is one of my favourite bands and I loved them so much!

I sat thinking about how tonight would go – it was my first time so it would be special. I knew it would hurt, but it would be worth it because after it was amazing – or so Adrian had told me. I had decided that I wanted to be with him when I lost my virginity. I was working myself up and was already nervous enough so I decided to relax and go into Lissa's head.

What I found destroyed me.

Lissa POV

I walked into Adrian's room to find him standing in front of his wardrobe – completely naked! It was not only highly amusing but a complete turn-on. As I walked further in Adrian still hadn't noticed me so I said, "Knock knock."

He jumped a foot in the air, which gave me an even better view, at that moment all my common sense was out the window and I was transfixed by him. I walked toward him. Adrian looked scared, turned-on and most of all surprised. I was all those things as well because I could still hear the alert sirens going on in my head.

I tip-toed up and lightly kissed his lips. He went completely still so I pulled away, as soon as I did I wished I hadn't. All of a sudden he led me to the bed and sat me down on him. Adrian was still naked so all that was between us was my skirt and under-wear. He was going hard on my thigh. I decided to flip him over so he was hovering on top of me.

"We shouldn't..." He murmured against my neck.

"I know!" I said back to him, or rather gasped back because he had just nipped my lower neck. He carried on teasing me for a while before finally pulling my clothes off. I was using a little bit of compulsion, but I knew that Adrian liked me – he had always given me sly winks that everyone else ignored. Everyone but me.

He suddenly stopped and looked to the door to find it closing. Someone had walked in on us. He didn't really seem to care though and went back to making my clothes disappear. As soon as his lips met mine again all worries about the door disappeared and animal passion took over.

Christian POV

I walked up to meet Lissa because I said I would watch her magic. Apparently she had gotten really good at auras and wanted to read mine with Adrian there just to check she had it right.

I walked through the door of the guest housing and up to Mr. Ivashkov's room. I paused at the door but it was slightly ajar so I walked right on in. I stopped as soon as I had swung the door open. Lissa was under Adrian and they were kissing. She was in her bra and panties and he was full-on naked.

I knew Adrian would try to take away all that I had in my life. First he took Rose and now here he was taking Lissa from me as well. I swear that his mission was to take away as many things from me as he could. Things between him and Lissa were getting really personal, and I didn't want them to find out I was here so I turned and ran. I ran through the school and toward the woods.

On the way I saw Rose – her face twisted in pain. I contemplated stopping to talk to her but knew it would do no good what-so-ever. I would break down in front of her. I was already crying and couldn't let Rose see that. I think she did though because her expression turned to worry as I raced past her.

She wouldn't follow me. I knew she wouldn't. She couldn't care less for me; I knew this and had written a poem about it. I was secretly an aspiring poet. No one knew that – not even Lissa. I carried this poem around with me everywhere I went and if I felt lonely I pulled it out to think of Rose.

It was from my diary that I kept. This was the only page I pulled out though because I couldn't risk other people finding what I had written if they fell out of my pocket.

My life was full of secrets that I wish I could tell someone – that someone being Rose Hathaway. She was the love of my life, even if she didn't know it yet. My feelings had steadily grown for her since that day at the fountain. I think back to the day so often, I wish it was like that all the time. Everything felt so natural. But then I was with Lissa and she had just gotten with Adrian.

I knew I should split up with Lissa and had decided I would after I had seen her with that filth named Adrian. I hoped with all my heart that Adrian would tell Rose and she would split with him – I didn't see that happening, Adrian was too clever and sly to tell Rose about him having sex with Lissa.

As I thought this I still raced through the woods away from Lissa and that whore that calls itself Adrian.

Rose POV

I pulled out of Lissa's head as soon as I realised what was happening. How could Adrian do this? He said that he loved me! It was only a couple of months after he wrote me that sort of letter. This boy had issues. Thoughts were spinning around my head and I went outside to get some air.

As I sat down on the cold ground, a tear leaked out of my eye, and that solitary one was quickly followed by many more. Christian raced past me and I knew that he had seen the same thing; he thought it was Adrian's fault whereas I knew it was Lissa's. I felt her want and need for Adrian through the bond and I knew it was her that had started on Adrian. I could also feel that she used a hint of compulsion, but not enough to make Adrian do anything against his will. It was sort of like a lust charm – both parties had to have feelings for each other.

I just couldn't believe that Adrian went along with it – tonight was meant to be our first time. Not any more.

I decided to run with Christian to comfort him, and actually to comfort myself as well. I had learnt not to keep things to myself because they just bottled up, and I had a major break-down. Christian would understand what I'm going through.

I couldn't catch Christian because he was so much farther ahead of me but I could hear his footsteps so I followed them. I finally caught up to him and saw him collapse a few metres away. He let out a sound of pure pain and drooped his head down onto his chest.

I decided in a split-second that poor Christian needed more comforting than me so I drew a deep breath, wiped away my tears and stood watching him sob for a minute while I calmed down and collected my thoughts.

By now Christian was kneeling up straight with his head in his hands and his back to me. I walked up behind him and saw him stiffen immediately. He never, ever, let anyone see any raw emotion from him. Not even Lissa had seen him like this so I supposed I should feel privileged, but he hadn't meant for me to see him like this to begin with. I only got to see this side of Christian because I had snuck up on him.

I ignored the stiffness of his back and knelt down to hug him. He needed a friend and so did I really – I just wouldn't show him that yet. He took a deep breath as my arms wound around his neck then immediately loosened his muscles. I could feel him relax and I rested my chin on his shoulder.

I couldn't really believe it – Christian Ozera had just worked me out by my scent, and then relaxed into a hug. He didn't say anything but just let me hold him; this boy must be really down!

He was getting ready to say something but I cut him off quickly, "I know, I'm so sorry, I saw too, and I didn't mean to see you like this." I was leaning my head against his by now so I could feel his smile. I could also feel that it wasn't smug or cocky – just a friendly, sad smile.

Christian turned his head to say something to my face but the way my head rested meant that our lips met instead. I felt a sort of electric current run through my entire body. The kiss was short and sweet because we both pulled away at the same time, my arms still around his neck. It was the same electric current that happened at the fountain.

Our surprised faces turned into amused faces as we realised what had just happened. I had loved every second of it but I really wasn't sure what Christian felt. I needed to know so I asked with complete sincerity, "Did you like it?"

The look on Christian's face made me feel pretty sure that he had liked it as well; he looked down and blushed, but tried to hide it by looking even further toward his own chest.

I knew at that moment that Christian Ozera and Rosa Hathaway were soul mates. I also knew that Rose should stop referring to herself in third person.

Well that was unexpected!

Christian POV

I had enjoyed that kiss much more than anything. It reminded me of the night by the fountain. This was much better though because I didn't have to worry about Lissa and I knew Rose cared because if she didn't, she wouldn't have followed me out here.

I knew that we were soul mates. I only knew that because I felt an electric current run through me, and had felt disappointed when we pulled away. It was well known that each person has a soul mate, and that you felt it felt like an electric shock when you touched them. It was the stuff of legends, but I believed it and I hoped Rose did as well.

When she asked if I like it, I didn't know if she was joking so I looked down. I didn't want to look like an idiot if I said yes. Because I truly had enjoyed that!

When I didn't answer Rose moved away. I decided to sit cross legged instead of on my knees so I repositioned myself when she let go. I felt suddenly nervous when she let me go and I suddenly figured out why – I felt safe when Rose was around.

Just as I was about to get up from the ground, Rose plopped onto the ground opposite me, smiling all the while. I was still studying the twig layered floor so she put one gentle finger under my chin and tilted it up. Her finger was soft, and I wished she would just hold my hand.

"Did you like it?" she asked again. I was fed up with this question so I decided to be truthful and say yes. Just as I was about to open my mouth she said, "You still look upset. Can I cheer you up?"

Okay, I know this sounds bad. But I desperately wanted to be cheered up by Rose – just not in the way she was talking, at least I think not in the way she meant.

I agreed and hoped for the best. I hoped and prayed she would do something more than kiss me but I knew deep down she wouldn't.

"I am going to get your surprise ready now, so I need you," she touched my nose, "To close your eyes." Rose winked as she said that so I decided it was best to comply. I gingerly closed them and hoped she wouldn't do anything dreadful.

She took about ten paces – not that I was counting – away from me then said, "Count to ten and open your eyes."

I was surprised she was ready that fast but I kept my eyes shut and counted in my head. When I got to ten I opened my eyes and there she was, an inch away from me. I nearly jumped up but then she pressed her lips to mine.

Why was she doing this? Was it to torture me? I kissed back though; glad she was finally letting me in.

The kiss was over too soon and her lip-glossed lips were smiling when I looked at her. Her lip gloss was strawberry flavoured and it complemented her actual taste perfectly. Was Rose perfect in every way?

She laughed her musical laugh then commented, "I knew you like it!" I smiled shyly and nodded my head, she just laughed even more at this. She was so obviously playing me but I still leaned back in – afraid to let this moment go. She met me half way and kissed me with an intensity that I didn't know she had.

She pulled me so that I was hovering over her; I lightly rested myself on her but not too much so that I didn't squidge her. She seemed to like this and pulled me closer to her if that was possible.

After a while we fell back, exhausted and gasping for breath. We lay facing each other on the floor of the forest gazing into each others eyes. It was the most amazing feeling being with your soul mate! Somewhere along the line she had unbuttoned my shirt and was now running hands along it, teasing me.

Soon she lost interest and snuggled closer to me, pulling my arm over her shoulder and playing with my hand in front of her. I suddenly thought of Lissa and all the implications that what we had just done would cause.

I wouldn't be able to look at my Rose the same way, knowing she loved me and I loved her. It would be unbearable. "What are we going to do about Lissa and Adrian?" I had to ask the question, I needed to know what she would do.

"Well, I've been thinking the same thing and I already consider Adrian dumped since he got with Lissa." That was the answer I needed to hear. I was suddenly filled with joy!

Rose stood up and dragged me up along with her, still clutching my hand. I looked down on it and said, "First, I thought you hated me?" as soon as I said that, it dawned on me just how puzzled I really was about all of this.

"Well, I kind of did at one point but as I got to know you I liked you but I wouldn't let you know unless you didn't feel the same. I denied it to myself so that I would act on it and I'm so sorry for that!" The end part made me smile, I couldn't help it. That was exactly how I felt.

Rose had just told me she loved me and that was all the encouragement needed to say one of the most important things of my life, "Second, will you be my girlfriend?"

I cringed as soon as that came out, then stuck my hand that wasn't in Rose's into my pockets, looking down. What came out her mouth next nearly knocked me flat. "Of course! I've been waiting for you to say that for months now!"

I looked at her incredulously. What!? This day was turning to my worst to my best day ever! Maybe everything was a dream; this is what usually happened in my dreams.

I grinned at her and she grinned back, mirroring my enthusiasm, "And third, I wrote you a poem a while back, do you want it?"

This is what I had been waiting for, her smile stayed on her face but she gasped and said, "You write poetry? God, I never thought that of you! Sure, hand it over!" That surprised me the most today. I shoved my hand in my pocket and came up with a piece of paper. I handed it to her and blushed.

Okay, chapter 2 will be up soon so make sure you check back and review!

Word of the update – Sombrero!

Poppy xx (a.k.a Popsicle)