This is my first time publishing a story. I am also terrible at summaries. Please read and review. This is set right after The Indigo Spell ends enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bloodlines or Vampire Academy.

A Palm Springs Christmas

Chapter 1: The Arrival

Pulling out from Amberwood away from Sydney was excruciating. The buzzing from my phone snapped me out of my longing, before it became too much. Seeing the name on the screen made me smile.

" Jailbait! Shouldn't you be in dream land by now?"

"Adrian, I knew she wouldn't go with Marcus! I'm so happy for you, maybe winter break won't be so bad after all." Jill was speed talking now.

"Yes you are wise beyond your years, my Princess" I laughed

" Oh you! We'll all be together at Clarence's, the new guy won't even notice if you and Syd go off on your own. I love you, see you tomorrow! I can hardly wait" with that Jill ended the call.

I forgot we had two weeks off for the holidays. We were all going to the old campire's house. Even that new guy Neil, who I've yet to meet. Eddie promised I would find him annoying or at least an easy target for my snark. Thinking nothing of the black car in my usual spot, I headed up to my apartment. I did notice the door was unlocked. I also took note of the angry, but familiar, tone coming from my kitchen.

"Eddie! I never said you weren't capable of doing your job only that you haven't noticed her discomfort." it was my favorite little dhampir.

"Rosemarie Hathaway what a surprise" my voice full of surprise and confusion.

"Eddie, Adrian just walked in, we'll talk more tomorrow," she paused her eyebrows furrowing "Why would he know- Fine! I'll ask. Adrian did Sydney get in ok?" She frowned with confusion.

"Huh, yeah sh- she finished that project and I just dropped her back at the dorm" I answered, hoping she wouldn't have too many questions.

She relayed all this to Eddie with more promises to talk more tomorrow. She hung up with a heavy sigh. She rolled her shoulders and stretched her neck, something she does when she's frustrated.

Not being a patient person I decide to start the conversation off with an obvious question.

"So little dhampir, what brings you to Palm Springs?"

Rose turns slowly and takes a drink of her bottled water. "Been a while since you've called me that. Hate to admit I missed it"

"Hmm, it has hasn't it. Gonna answer my question?" I hop on the counter across from her, waiting for an answer.

"Short answer I'm here for Christmas!" She took a seat on the countertop as well. "Long anwer, I'm here to review the mission and make sure the new guardian and alchemist settle in nicely"

That took me off guard, I knew we had a new guardian thanks to Sydney's informal complaint to her supervisor. This was the first I had heard of the new alchemist. This had me worried, and disappointed. I had hoped that we could have some alone time during break, we wouldn't be allowed much with an added vamp hater.

"What new alchemist?" I asked hesitantly.

Rose looked like she was trying to solve a puzzle but was missing pieces. "Sydney complained to her superior, she said it was suffocating to be surrounded by so many of our kind and none of hers. Or something like that, so they sent her someone who would understand." she kicked her feet while she talked. I found that annoying, but that could just be my fear that Sydney would be found out a traitor.

"I knew she had complained, I thought it was just security reasons. That's why we have Neil now." I muttered quietly.

Did she complain because I pushed too hard at first? Or did she slip up when the tattoo was breaking?

"Who is this new alchemist? We shouldn't add anymore people, when we are supposed to be discreet" my tone was harsher than I intended.

"It's her sister, like actual sister. This is her first field assignment. Her dad thought it would be helpful for Syd to have a familiar face, also help his young daughter finish her training." Rose stated. "Adrian, I have to ask. Did you push Sydney? I know you liked her, Sonya saw your aura when she was here. You also hinted at something at the wedding" Rose had her don't lie to me face on.

"Little dhampir, when have I ever pushed someone I may or may not have liked?" I joked

"I'm serious! Lissa had to rearrange her holiday plans so I could be here. Not to mention how difficult it was to find a guardian who wouldn't be missed, to place here" she insisted

"I didn't know she was going to her superiors. Honestly she didn't mean to snap so much at that Stanton person. She was frustrated with them for holding onto information. I also backed off, I told her that I wouldn't push her. I told her that I could wait for her to admit to her feelings and that in the meantime I would just be her friend." I argued. "Then everything with Marcus and Alicia escalated. Somehow she was able to own up and throw caution to the wind and just be in as much love with me as I am with her." realizing I was shouting I took a deep breath.

With all her dhampir training it was surprising to me when she stumbled off the counter. She looked up at me smiling though.

"Adrian.. Ar- are you saying that, that you and Sydney, the strict alchemist are together? That you're.. You're both in love?" Rose was stammering over her words. I realized that I just outed my new and top secret relationship to my ex-girlfriend.