Title: Vampire Academy: A New Beginning
Author: Magan
Description: A year or so have passed since Last Sacrifice. Everything is going good. It's a new beginning for everyone.
Disclaimer: I did not own these characters. The books were written by Rachel Mead.
Disclaimer 2: The first part of the story is just a review from books 1-6.
This is definitely a whole new world for me and Dimitri. We almost didn't have our second chance. The first one was taken away the first night that we were together. He'd been taken away from me when the Strogoi had attacked my school and then I set out to look for him, to release him from that horrible life, but when I found him; it was so hard for me to let him go. It was still Dimitri, but yet, it was not him, it was a cold, calculating Dimitri, but I was still so captivated and scared of him at scared of him at the same time.
Scared of those eyes, scared that at any moment he would take my life, but he never did. He gave me the chance to choose, but no matter how much I wanted to stay with him, I could never give myself over to him like that, even though his bites had bound me to him.
Those bites, his bites, were so intoxicating that I couldn't leave him, nor did I really want to! I think that Dimitri suspected that too, but I don't know why he just didn't do it - just didn't end it.
The last few days we were together, he hadn't come to seem me as frequently as he had before, and the drug of the bite, had worn off, and I knew that I had to get out of there, make my escape some how.
He followed me of course. We fought but he knew me to well as I had known him all to well. I did what I had could do, I staked, but some how as he'd fallen back into the water, the stake had dislodged and it didn't release him like I thought it would. It just made him even more pissed off. He came after me, stalking me, taunting me. We'd come face to face in the hotel after I'd sprung Victor from jail. Worse mistake of my life but it was something I had to do. I had to some how bring my Dimitri back.
Even though I'd done everything, it was my best friend, Lissa, who had brought Dimitri back, when she staked him with a spirit charmed stake. He saw her as his savior and pushed me away. It boiled down to him not forgiving himself for what happened in Russia. He hated himself for hurting me, but I'd told him time and time again I'd forgiven him. But no matter how many times I'd done that, he'd still pushed me away and hurt me deeply.
I finally decided if he didn't want me, then I didn't want him. I was with Adrian anyway, and I'd give myself to him, not physically of course, but I let him bite me. Hmm, I wonder if that actually made Dimitri jealous the day the queens guards tried to arrest me for her murder. Now that I think about it, the way he reacted to protect me, I think he was actually jealous. Hmm!
But me getting arrested, us going on the run, brought us closer together. We didn't mean to sleep with each other, but it was the right thing to do. We realized just how much we loved and needed each other. We were it for each other. We were bound to each other. Soul mates if you will, even though I didn't believe in that at the time Sonya, a former Strogoi and my one time teacher, had said we were. She could read our aura's and saw that Dimitri and I fit together perfectly. I wonder if that's something that Adrian and Lissa could see whenever they looked at Dimitri and me.
Adrian…I'd hurt him so much. He'd hurt me, too. I guess that means we're even. I haven't seen him since we'd broken up. I had heard he'd gone out west to get over me, but the last thing he said as he was walking out the door, "The contract is null and void." It was so obvious that it was, but it hurt so badly to hear him say that. I did love him. I thought I could love him as much as Dimitri, but I knew deep down, I could never love him that way, but I gave it a try. It was good for awhile. Dimitri and I were meant to be together!
After Adrian and I broke up, I kept thinking about the things that we said to one another...well mainly all the things that he'd said to me. He was right, I was thinking about all the damage I had caused trying to clear my name and to protect those that I love. Yes, there was a lot, but I'm not a bad person. I know I did what I could. I did what I had to do. I fought for what was right! I had to clear my name. There were people I hurt and lives that were lost and its something that I will live with for the rest of my life, but I'm not going to dwell on it, I can't. I have to move on. I have to protect Lissa now, she is Queen but it was a little dicey getting her there. We'd found out that there was a sister that could help her get elected. Things were changing. There were to many lives lost under Queen Tatiana's rule.
I hadn't even noticed Dimitri sliding in next to me at the restaurant where I was year or so ago. It was our place now. So much has happened since then, a lot of it has been good!
"I know that look, Roza!" His deep, sexy voice brought my out of my reverie and I turned to smile at him. He always just knew me. He got me! That's one of the things I loved about him. "Don't go there!" I looked in his dark eyes and saw love and concern there. He didn't want me to go down that road and make myself miserable for the things that I could not change. I didn't want that either but sometimes, I couldn't help myself.
So I just smiled at him, I didn't want to ruin this day. A lunch date was something that we rarely got to do with our busy schedules. He was waiting for me to answer, but I didn't get a chance to say anymore, because Lissa and Christian walked in.
Even in a jeans and a pink top, Lissa still looked beautiful, so radiant. Even her hair was stunning! Christian was looking particularly well today. Being a Lord was definitely a perk that he was getting used to! He'd dressed in dark slacks and white dress shirt.
The guardians' that had accompanied them took a booth across from us. They were trying to be inconspicuous and failed to do so.
Realizing that Lissa and Christian with us and were safe, they seemed to relax a little. It wasn't like there was going to be attack – it rarely happened here at court.
As I glanced at Lissa sidling into the booth, I realize just how strange it was for us not to share the bound that we had, it was something we had shared for so long. It just felt like a piece was missing. Don't get me wrong, I love being in my own head, but it was always helpful to know what was going on inside her's. It's somewhat of a challenge to read her now without that connection but on occasion, I could read her thoughts even without having the power.
After the coronation, Lissa was a bundle of nerves. She knew she wasn't going to please everyone with the changes, but deep down, she wanted to try. It was difficult for the older Moroi's to accept the changes, but they're slowly warming up to her.
The biggest shock for them and Lissa was the fact that there was another Dragamir sister. That was surprise to everyone. At first, it was hard on the sisters, but they've moved on as best as they could, and get together, when they're able to.
Christian was the same as ever, he still tried to his feelings from everyone, though sometimes he was easy to read. Most of the time, it had to do with his aunt's stinging betrayal. I should know that all to well. She murdered the queen and pinned it on me. Her motives were political but they were rooted in jealousy over me and Dimitri.
On the day we returned to court to prove my innocence, she shot me. I thought I was dead for sure, but I managed to work my way back to the people I loved most. In a way, I do owe her something, she did help bring Dimitri and I back together. That I will be grateful for.
"Rose, have you heard anything I said?" I know that tone well. My friend Lissa is annoyed with me and I better answer her quickly.
"Oh I'm sorry. What did you say?" I gave her my full attention.
Playfully, Dimitri elbowed me in my side and I gave him a sidelong glance and he just smiled at me. How could I refuse a smile like that? So warm and so genuine. How I love this man! I turned back to Lissa and give her my full attention again. "What is it?"
"This!" Lissa handed me a small cream colored envelope. "Who is this from?"
"Don't know." She shrugged.
I took it and slowly opened it up.
"I got it from Abe today. He stopped by my office earlier and said that I was to give this to you."
I glanced up at Lissa confused. Why wouldn't he just give this to me himself? Abe was my father and we'd been getting along for the most part, but he could be annoying. He had come through for me last year when I needed it the most. "Why didn't he just stop by our place?"
"He said he couldn't find you and he came by to see if you were with me, working."
"That was my fault." Dimitri showed no signs of embarrassment but I know he was. He was never really comfortable talking about our sex life in front of anyone. I found that out when I made a comment about it to Lissa, after I'd woken up from being shot. He gave a look that said to keep it private. For the most part I did, but there were days where I only talked to Lissa. "I kept her preoccupied." He pulled me close to him, I glanced up at him, taking in those brilliant eyes I loved so much, and he kissed me. I knew that was coming. I could just tell he was thinking about this morning. It had been in the back of my mind too, but now, with this kiss, it was all I could think about. This kiss was quick, but it was enough to rekindle what we had this morning.
To my surprise, Dimitri had pulled away and glanced back at Lissa, showing no signs of what was happening between us. I had to control my breathing before I combusted. I was suddenly reminded of the night that we spent in the tent on the run. I'd found him laying his head on my chest. I couldn't resist the urge to run my hand through his hair and then he woke up. It was a split second later that he pushed away from me. Damn his self control! But the second time was worth it. He fought but he couldn't resist me any longer.
After we made love the second time, we talked about that self control, hell, I was teasing him about it, but he said that he had more self control than I did. Ha! That wasn't the impression I had gotten. He even promised me, more like warned me, that he was going to make me lose control in seconds. Boy had he fulfilled that promise in more ways than one, and ever since then!
"What's in the letter?" Christian asked curiously and I tried to keep the redness off my face, but it wasn't helping any with all those memories flashing before me.
Taking a deep breath, and pushing those thoughts away, I removed the letter from the envelope and opened it up. To my surprise, it was from Sydney, another friend I'd met when I was trying to track down Dimitri, while he was Strogoi. She'd come through for me last year, but in the midst of everything, the other Alchemist took her back to wherever it is they came from, and we lost touch. I'd tried for awhile to find her, but I had no luck. I had to give up, sadly, but all I wanted to know was if she were okay. I hoped that she didn't harbor any ill will towards me, after everything.
"It's from Sydney."
"What does she say?" Dimitri wanted to know.
Dear Rose,
I had heard you'd been looking for me. I wanted to get into touch with you so many times, but my superiors wouldn't let me. I've sorta have been, well, I've been grounded. I couldn't have any contact with anyone unless it was my family or my superiors. But Abe some how came through for me. I don't know what he did, but he came to me a few days ago, and arranged for me to write you this letter. I don't even know if anyone knows I'm writing this. Actually I don't care. You and I are still friends no matter what had happened. That will never change.
If I can ever get out of this punishment, we'll all have to get together sometime. How are Dimitri and Lissa? I hear that she became queen. Congratulate her for me. Are you still with Dimitri? Secretly, I was hoping that you two would make it, but when I asked, Abe wasn't too much in a talking mood that day, but he did say that your status' we were restored and you're one of Lissa's guardians' and he is her boyfriends' guardian. Congrats. I'm so glad that everything is working out for you two.
Once my probation is done, I will pass along my new number and address to you. And I'll even answer your last question you'd asked me.
I must go! Abe's trying to get me to end the letter. I will see you soon.
Your friend,
Sydney
"She wanted to let me know she was okay and that she has been on probation." I glanced over at Lissa. "And she wanted to congratulate you on becoming queen and or for Dimitri and I for having our guardianship's restored."
"When is she coming off probation?" Dimitri glanced down at the letter to skim it.
"It doesn't say, but when she is, she wants us to get together." I handed the letter off to Dimitri.
My stomach grumbled, I'd missed breakfast, and nearly missed lunch earlier. I smiled at the thought. Dimitri motioned the waitress over to our table and she quickly hurried over and bowed down to Lissa. The young girl was a Moroi.
"Hello, Marsha." Lissa nodded towards the girl as she read her name tag. "Today I'm just Lissa."
"Very well." The young girl nodded. "What can I get you?"
We'd given our orders and the waitress turned to the guardians across from them, got their orders as well, and she disappeared toward the back. It wasn't fifteen minutes later, that the waitress returned with our orders. I had a hamburger and fries, Lissa had ordered some kind of salad, and Dimitri and Christian had ordered Reuben sandwiches.
We didn't even have a chance to eat; the guardians stood up, and moved over to our table, and glanced at us. It was a look we all knew to well. Damn, I think I just jinx us!
"Queen Vasilisa, we must go." The taller one had said.
"What? What's going on?" Worry crossed over Lissa's face and I knew that meant Spirit was churning inside her. Times like this, I wished the bond was still intact so I could help her more.
Over the year, she'd learned to control Spirit a little better and used charms to help her heal herself, but she hadn't had one on her today that I noticed. I reached over to place my hand on hers. "It's okay, Lissa."
"What's going on?" Dimitri had asked the guardians.
I didn't need to know what it was but it was still good to have the confirmation.
"Strogoi have broken through the ward. We need to get Lord Ozera and Queen Vasilisa to a secure location." The shorter guardian, who had been assigned to Christian, when Dimitri was off, had stepped forward.
I glanced towards the door and I noticed more of the queen's guardian's stationed outside the door. A few more had run by, I wonder if it was towards the fight. I really wish I knew what was happening out there. I didn't want to think about it though, I had a job to do and I had to protect Lissa and Christian.
Glancing over at Dimitri, I watched him nod at me, and we slide out of the booth together, ready for whatever was to happen.
"Come on, Lissa. We're going to get you back to your place." I reached out for Lissa's hand and we all hurried out of the restaurant.
The guardian's, Dimitri, and I were on the look out for suspicious activates. I knew that Christian and Lissa would be okay with all the royal guardians around them, but I wasn't going to leave their side. Dimitri had felt the same way as we glanced at each other.
The way we had gone, it seemed safe, but I could still hear the blood curdling screams and explosions nearby. Moroi were running passed us scared. This was a massacre plan and simple and it beginning to look worse than the one at St. Vladimir's.
As we rounded the corner, we ran into a couple of Strogoi and their victims. I realized that the Moroi we being drained. Oh god, I knew the couple. It was Adrian's parents. Oh my god, Adrian. I shook my head of the horrible image in my head and I blocked that out of my head. I had to protect Lissa. I pulled her behind me and I saw that Dimitri do the same with Christian. They came first, that was our motto as guardians. It was something that we had drilled into our heads from the very beginning of our training.
We tried to make it around as quietly as possible, but they spotted us and threw their victims to the ground like rag dolls. I was horrified. They didn't deserve that and Adrian didn't either, but I couldn't dwell on that. I noticed as I pulled her back behind me, several of the other guardians stepped forward, putting enough distance between Lissa and the Strogoi. I gave a quick glance at Dimitri and Christian.
At that instant, I knew he was thinking what I was thinking; we had to get out of there and fast. I nodded. "Come on."
Taking our chances, we headed towards Lissa's apartment as fast as we could. I took one glance over my shoulder and I saw the guardians fighting with the Strogoi. I forced myself to face forward, the guardians were getting decimated. I didn't want to look anymore.
We rushed into Lissa's home, closing and locking the door behind us. Not a lot of good that would do but it kept something in between us.
"What's next?" Christian finally asked.
"I don't know." I answered as we made our way into the parlor. It was so surreal.
"Stay with them. I'm going to do a quick sweep." Dimitri left the parlor.
I wish he wouldn't have left, but nothing I can do about that. I saw Lissa and Christian move to the flowered cover sofa. I walked over to the window, looked outside, I could see Moroi and dhampir's running for safety, some were beaten and bloodied. It was a mess. It was going to take quite some time to get everything right again. I glanced back at my friends to check on them and then there was an explosion.
"What was that?" Lissa jumped. So did I.
"Hell, I don't know." I was getting frustrated and looked back out the window. There was a fire off to the west and it looked like it was spreading fast. We were gonna have to get out of here soon! Where the hell was Dimitri?
A few minutes had passed, when Dimitri finally returned. I was relieved. He was relieved we were still there. I could see it in his eyes, he was antsy to get out and fight just like I had been, but I didn't want him to go. It was selfish of me to want him to stay but I didn't care. I wanted him safe. If he went out there, I knew it was going to be bad. I might not see him again.
Suddenly, I was seized with the memories of him being bitten, while we were on a rescue mission at St. Vladimir's. No, I didn't want him to leave him. I would never tell him that I felt that way. I didn't want him to worry.
"I'm going out there." Dimitri took my hands in his and looked me in the eye. I couldn't bring myself to say no, my face said it all. "I can't say here, why everyone is getting slaughtered. You need to stay here and protect Christian and Lissa." He stared at me for along time and he pulled me into his arms. "I'm not going to leave you, Rose." He kissed me. I knew he would be back, but I still worried. "I will be back. I promise."
With that, Dimitri was out the door. I heard the door slam shut. I tried to move, I tried to go after him, but I just couldn't make myself move. I was frozen. I was so preoccupied, hadn't noticed when Lissa moved over to me.
"It's okay, Rose." She put an arm around me. "He's coming back."
To my surprise, I felt something cold on my wrist and I slowly was able to move my hand up to see what it was.
"It's to help you!"
It was a bracelet with spirit to calm me. I glanced at her and smiled. I knew it was her way of helping me. I definitely needed it because I could have gone after him and left Lissa and Christian alone, unprotected.
In the back of my mind, I could hear, they come first. I wanted to tell that voice to shut the hell out, but I had to remind myself, it was right.
Once my mine was fully clear, I was able to devise a plan on how to get us out of here, but before I could implement it, the door burst open, and a Strogoi came into the parlor.
"Christian, get Lissa out of here." I ordered my friends as I stood in front of them. I didn't take my eyes off the Strogoi, but I heard a door close behind me. I felt better knowing they were in another room.
The Strogoi was quicker than I thought, because he socked me in the face. Dammit! It was so hard that I fell into a cabinet and slammed my head into it. I saw stars and felt the darkness, but the bracelet quickly healed me and I shook it off and I slowly stood, cracking my neck. I walked over the Strogoi, watching him study me, as I studied him. This guy was about the same height and built as Dimitri. There was no reason I couldn't take him out.
I saw my in and I took it. I punched him in the face. It didn't do much to him. I took my chance again and I punched him in the gut. He doubled over and I slammed my clasped hands on his back. I bought my knee and crashed it up into his face. He fell back to the floor and I jumped on him. I pulled my stake out but it wasn't quick enough to take him out and we rolled around and he was on top of me, slamming me head on to the floor. What is with these vampires? They like to bash my head in for some reason.
Somewhere along the line, I realized that I lost the bracelet that Lissa had given me. I felt the blood trickling down my face. I blinked back the tears that were threatening to spill over. I was so dizzy. I knew if I didn't do something now, I would probably be dead or worse a Strogoi.
My stake. I still managed to keep my stake. I don't how I managed that in the struggle. He was going for my throat and I brought the stake close to his face and I slashed him. His hand went to his face and he screamed. Yeah, that hurt didn't it. I stood up and I kicked the son of bitch in the face and he fell back on the floor and I took my chance, and I drove the stake in his chest just right, and the Strogoi went limp.
I stood there looking at him. I know I could have done better but this one had a lot of power. I didn't have time to continue to ponder that, because another Strogoi came in. He was ten times bigger than the last. I looked up at him in awe. He was taller than the last one, even taller than Christian and Dimitri. How was I going defeat this guy? Where were the other guardians when you needed them?
I didn't give myself time to think anymore about it, I jumped right in and we exchanged blows. It knocked me back a little, but I kept swinging away. I hit wherever I could. He got several blows on me. No matter what I did he knocked me over.
This was going on far to long, I had to stop him, but how I was going to do that? Shit, I didn't have a clue!
Before I could figure out my next move, the big brute caught on fire. I didn't think twice, I pulled my stake out of the other Strogoi and thrust it into this ones chest, hard. The Strogoi looked at the stake and then collapsed to the floor, falling face first. The stake went all the way through. I was glad this was over.
"What the hell do you think you were doing?" I yelled back at Christian. I was thankful that he helped when he could, but it was stupid thing to do. "You could have died."
"I was saving your life." Christian shot back.
"Well, I didn't need your help."
"Sure looked liked it."
I didn't want to fight with him but my damn ego was getting the best of me. I couldn't wrap my head around how different these Strogoi had been from the last ones I had fought. What changed them?
"Is everything okay?" Lissa came out into the parlor. She noticed that something was wrong. "What is it?"
I didn't answer as I walked over to the window. I didn't glance back at either one. I didn't really want to talk. I looked out at court. It seemed to be dying down and I was now wondering where Dimitri was or if he was okay. No, I told myself. I'd know if he something was wrong. I had to know he was okay. Man, my mind was spinning. I couldn't control the thoughts going on my head. How was court ever going to be safe again? How the hell did these Strogoi get impossibly stronger? What the hell are we going to do?
"Rose, are you okay?" I felt her hand on my shoulder.
I kept looking out the window. There were so many dead bodies; I couldn't even take a guess. The fires were still raging, but hadn't spread as much as I thought, and we still had to get out of here.
"I'm fine." I glanced at Lissa. I could no longer look out the window.
Lissa hugged me. "I was so worried about you." She turned to glare at Christian but then she softened. She couldn't stay mad at him very long. "I'm just so glad you're both okay." She reached out to him and he took her hand.
Several guardians came running in, noticing the two dead Strogoi on the ground, but said nothing to me. I was glad at that as I glanced back at them. There had to be at least twenty of them. I didn't know if they would come out of this or not.
"Queen Vasilisa. Lord Ozera. You're okay!" One of the guardian's had asked.
Yeah, what does it look like?
I glanced at each of the guardians and I didn't see Dimitri. I knew that there was something wrong, but I didn't know if he was dead or alive. They wouldn't look at me to confirm either way. I had to find him, but I also had to stay with Christian and Lissa. It pained me to do that. I pushed those feelings aside. I wanted to hear what they had to say.
"We're fine." I heard both Lissa and Christian say.
"How did they manage to get through our wards?" I heard myself finally ask.
"We're still assessing things," the tallest guardian in the front responded. "But we have to get the queen and the lord to the safe house."
Glancing over at Lissa, I could see the fear on her face and Christian pulled her close to him, and she relaxed in his arms. I was glad she had him, but as quickly as that happened, she pulled away from him. She didn't want them to see that as weakness on her part. "Very well, when do we leave?"
"We should go as soon as possible, my queen." Another guardian had stepped forward. I think his name was Randall. He was about five ten, blonde hair, blue eyes, actually he was kinda cute.
"Very well." Lissa turned to me. "I want you with me, Rose, but I know you need to find Dimitri. One of the guardians will tell you where you need to be." She glanced at Randall and he nodded at her.
"Yes, I will her."
I still couldn't believe that the Strogoi had broken through the wards here. It was always the safest place to be. I always assumed that things were air tight since the attack on the school. They were becoming pretty resourceful, not to mention bigger and stronger. How was that possible? Th were uber vampires now?
"We'll be meeting your sister at the safe house."
"What?" Did the Strogoi break through the wards at the school too?
Lissa glanced over at me, scared. She'd begun to shake and Christian pulled her closer to him again, reassuring her. She was worried about her sister, hell we all were. I hoped she was okay.
"My sister? Is she okay?" Lissa spoke so softly, I wasn't sure if anyone heard her right.
Randall stepped forward again; he seemed to be the most knowledgeable one out of all of them. I wish I knew more. "As far as we know, Princess Jill is okay, but we haven't had anymore contact with her guardians."
"What?" Lissa was alarmed at this. They didn't really seem to know if Jill safe or not, they were just placating her. "You haven't really made contact with them, have you?" Her voice rose up an octave. She wanted the truth.
The guardian, who'd been guarding Christian, had stepped forward. I could hear the voices of the guardians on his ear piece. It was not good. They were giving up the death toll and damage all over. "Queen Vasilisa, Lord Ozera, I am sorry, but we must go. We need to get you two to safety. There are still Strogoi nearby."
I was feeling torn by staying with Lissa and Christian, but I had to go see Dimitri. I know he'd want me to stay with them, but I need to check on him, and then I'd go. I had to know he was okay for myself and not get it from second hand knowledge.
Lissa sensed my internal turmoil and she urged me to go. "Go, Rose."
I didn't think twice, I pushed my way through the guardians, and headed out of her house as fast as I could. I saw all the bodies everywhere as I ran. I couldn't think about any of that. I turned the corner a few moments later, and ran into something hard. I fear it might be a Strogoi, but to my surprise, as I looked up, it was just my friend Mikhail. He knew from the look on my face, that I was looking for Dimitri.
I was so grateful for a friend like Mikhail. He was one of the people that helped me escape jail.
"He's in the infirmary."
"Infirmary?" My heart nearly stopped.
Mikhail had given me a small reassuring smile, though that did nothing to quell my fears. "He had a run in with this big vampire and he took quite a beating, but he's okay. Just resting."
That must have been the vampire I killed. Good! "Thanks!" I took off for the infirmary. I wasn't going to let anyone stop me.
Finally, I arrived. I was so out of breath that I took a moment to catch my breath. I looked around trying to find him, but all I saw were injured Moroi and Dhampir. I thought I'd seen Ambrose, but I couldn't be sure. As I went for the door, the doctor stepped in front of me.
"Rose…I can't let you back there." The doctor knew why I was here, but I didn't care. I had to see him before I went off with Lissa and Christian. I didn't know when I'd see him next. In my mind, I kept hearing they come first, but I told it shut the hell up! "Come back tomorrow."
Get out of my way or I'm going to be doing some ass kicking lady! The doctor was about to push me back, but I saw a hand on her shoulder. It seemed to come out of know where and I couldn't see who it had belong to, the doctor was a somewhat taller than me.
"Hey doc," The familiar voice had said and she turned to face him. "It's okay. I'll take her back there. We won't be long."
To my surprise, it was Adrian. I smiled at him. I didn't think I'd ever see him. He smiled back at me. I suddenly remember that his parents were dead. I wonder if he knew. There never is a right time for something like that. My smiled faded and he seemed to sense there was something wrong but he hadn't said anything. Maybe he did know?
The last time I saw Adrian, he was so messed up, mostly because of me, but he seemed so together now. His hair was styled different, even dressed differently. It's almost like he cared about who he was and what he looked like. I definitely like this confident Adrian.
"Very well." The doctor nodded and stepped way to attend to other patients.
"Where the hell have you been?" I said a little accusatory. Wow, I was starting to have a massive headache. I blinked a couple of times, but it didn't seem to go away.
"You don't really want to know." He joked. He was right, I didn't want to know. "But I took the time to think about what you'd said to me that day." He said to me as we headed towards Dimitri's room. "I changed. I took control of my life and my father gave me a job in one of his firms. I'm happy, Rose. I found a really nice girl. You'd like her!"
"I'm happy for you." I suddenly felt dizzy all of sudden. I shook my head and continued on, but my legs didn't seem to agree as they collapsed underneath me. Adrian caught me and helped me to a chair next to Dimitri's bed. I was feeling sick to my stomach. I saw the blackness; I was going to pass out.
Adrian placed his hand on my head. I felt the warm of spirit healing me. The dizzy and sick feeling went away.
"Thanks!" I turned to see Dimitri on the bed next to me. He was sleeping peacefully. "Dimitri, I'm here." He didn't move.
"He's okay." Adrian reassured me as he moved to the other side. "I did what I could for him but he's got to rest."
I was so grateful for what Adrian did. "Thanks" I kept my eyes on Dimitri. I ran a hand through his mussed up hair. Even like this, sleeping like an angel, he looked beautiful.
"I'm going to go out and help the doctor." Adrian started for the door, but I stopped him. I think I should tell him about his parents.
"Adrian, I need to tell you something." He looked expectantly at me. "I think you should sit down."
"What is it?" He looked and sounded worried. "Just tell me."
I took a deep breath. "Your parents…they didn't make it." It looked like someone punched him in the gut. He hadn't expected that horrible news. I hurt him again. I am so sorry Adrian. I reached out to him, but shook his head no. He didn't really want to talk about it. I didn't blame him. It was just to much for him.
"Excuse me! Adrian slipped out the door. I felt so bad for him, I wanted to comfort my friend, if I could call him that, but I knew he wouldn't let me. I sighed and turned back to Dimitri.
I felt his hand squeeze mine. I sighed in relief; he was going to be okay. In his raspy voice, I heard him say, "I thought I heard you." He opened his eyes. I loved those eyes now more than ever! "You should be with Lissa and Christian. Why aren't you?"
"I came to look for you. I just needed to know you were okay."
"I was worried about you, Roza, but you should have gone with them." Dimitri gave me a sleepy smile.
Screw that! They're fine. You're not. Why won't you let me take care of you? Of course I didn't voice that. I knew that would probably piss him off.
"Are they okay?"
"They're fine – on their way to a safe house." I saw the look on his face. He was worried. I was worried to. I didn't know what was going to happen. "It was pretty bad, Dimitri. A lot of Moroi and dhampir's were injured or killed."
"How many?"
I bit my lip. I knew it was bad. "I heard that twelve Moroi are dead and thirty injured. We took a hit on the guardians. We lost seven. I don't know about the non-dhampir. I'd guess from looking at the waiting room, that it was twenty. There could be more, I don't know." Dimitri was about to speak again, but I interrupted him. "The school was hit. I don't know the damage, but I figure it's bad as well."
"Is Jill, is she okay?"
"From what I understand, she's is, but the guardians can't say for sure."
Dimitri pushed the blanket away from him and he slowly sat up in bed. He scrunched up his face in pain. I felt his pain. I wish I knew what I could do for him. I tried to help him sit up but he shook me off. He wanted to do it himself. "Hand me my clothes."
"Dimitri, you should stay…"
"No, I can't. We need to go."
I handled him his clothes and he slowly put them on no matter how painful it was. Once he was finished, I watched as he put his boots on. I, then, grabbed his jacket and I hulled him to his feet and he leaned against me as we walked out. No one seemed to see us, which was fine by me.
TBC