First off I'd like to thank everyone for their reviews and encouragement, as well as those who have added this story to their alerts. I appreciate it very much :)
Secondly, and very importantly, I need to thank the awesome Llaria6 who kindly accepted to Beta this chapter for me. Her feedback is supportive and her command for writing is brilliant. Be sure to check out her fantastic work! Thank you again!
Just to explain a little more... A Guardian's Love is essentially a love story. It will tell the story of Dimitri and Rose's relationship through flashbacks. Now all good love stories have their up's and down's, so please stay with me. I have taken a few liberties so while there will be elements of Richelle Mead's fantastic books, the bulk will be my own. She own's it all...I'm just visiting and borrowing a little :)
I really hope you'll stick with me! I'll be updating as much as I can between work and being a wife and Mummy :)
Please leave a review if you have a minute or two. As I said, your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Happy reading :)
A Guardian's Love
Chapter Two
…Dimitri…
It had been three days since he'd heard her voice. Three days since he'd rescued her and carried her from that dungeon battered and bleeding. He'd never felt such hatred towards strigoi as he had that day. He'd wanted to rip them limb from limb. The sight of the woman he loved laying practically naked on the floor, her body covered in bruises and blood. He'd never forget the blood. It was everywhere. How she was still breathing was a miracle. Lissa had tried to heal her but could only do so much. Her injuries were extensive, from broken bones and multiple fractures to internal bleeding. They had almost lost her during surgery. He tightened his grasp on her unmoving hand, watching her chest rise and fall. She looked so fragile.
"How is she?"
Dimitri lifted his head to see Christian standing in the doorway, hands in his pockets. He seemed unsure if he should enter. "No change. All they keep staying is she's stable for now."
He nodded as Dimitri gestured toward the empty chair filling the small space on the other side of the bed. The amount of equipment crammed into the small area hadn't left much space for anything else. It was a basic room, much to Abe's dismay. He'd tried to have her moved back to Court, but the simple fact was that she was in no condition to be anywhere but here, in this sterile white box, in the intensive care unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Thankfully, Dr. Hathrani was a close friend of Dr. Olendzki and her team had dealt with Dhampir and Moroi in the past.
Dimitri watched as Christian slumped himself down into the worn looking chair. He looked just as tired as Dimitri felt. "How is Vasilisa? Is she doing okay?" the Guardian asked, feeling a little guilty for not having checked on her sooner.
"She's sleeping. Healing Rose, it… um… it took it out of her," answered Christian quietly.
No one had dared stop her that day, as Rose lay dying on that blood soaked gurney, doctors and nurses running from all directions trying desperately to keep her breathing, her heart beating. Not caring who saw, Vasilisa stood beside her broken and battered best friend and held her hand in her own. Dimitri could do nothing but watch. He'd never felt so helpless. All of Rose's superficial injuries slowly disappeared before everyone's eyes, but still the monitor's consistent beep rang out, her heartbeat slowing to non-existent. Time seemed to stand still. She couldn't be dead. Moments later Vasilisa had collapsed to the floor as Dimitri was supported by Eddie, Christian holding the Queen in his arms. The unmistakable sound of a heartbeat filled the room. It was slow and it was faint, but it was there. Rose was still alive, hanging on by a thread.
Silence.
"Rose Hathaway is the strongest person I know," offered Christian quietly. "Not that I'd ever tell her that to her face because god knows she'd never let me forget it," he added half-heartedly. "She's going to wake up soon and start demanding chocolate donuts."
For the first time in days, a small smile tugged at the corner of Dimitri's mouth as he recalled the many times he had seen Roza devour more than one chocolate donut. "She does have a thing for chocolate donuts."
Suddenly Christian laughed out loud, the sound filling the small room. "Do you remember the night that Guardian Novice Nicolai Alexander took the only chocolate donut from the tray at dinner? The look on her face as he downed it right in front of her," he sighed, his hands coming to rest upon the top of his head. "I don't think I've ever seen him run so fast and not know why he was being chased."
Dimitri smiled. "Only to run straight into me and then use me as a human shield," he added.
"I think anyone who has met Rose now realises that if they are in her line of fire, their only saving grace comes in the form of Dimitri Belikov," joked Christian, clearly unable to hide his amusement.
Dimitri sighed inwardly as he was reminded that, jokes aside, she was his saving grace as much as he was hers. So many times it had been Rose, her presence alone keeping his façade of control in place. Had he really done enough to make sure she realised that?
He turned his attention back to Rose. How could he have ever walked away from her?
FLASHBACK…
Dimitri had spent the better part of his shift thinking about Tasha's offer. Six months ago he doubted he would have hesitated. He'd always wanted his own family; a wife and children. But now things were complicated. Six months ago his world was flipped on its head as a whirlwind named Rose Hathaway came charging into his Groundhog Day life. She was as equally frustrating as she was beautiful and he'd been mesmerised by her since that night he first met her in Portland. She could be reckless and didn't think things through, and it made her both vulnerable and yet lethal. It was part of what made him love her.
He made his way through the darkened courtyard, the sound of the gentle falling rain filling his ears, the light breeze touching his face. A refreshing breeze was not something living in Russia offered.
As if he'd run into some invisible wall, Dimitri stopped suddenly halfway across the courtyard as a very familiar scent floated on the breeze. It was a scent that consumed him. He turned his head towards the weeping willow that lead out towards the field, his eyes falling on the trunk of the tree. Roza.
He couldn't help but mentally scold her for breaking curfew again. His pace had slowed as he reached her somewhat concealed position.
"Rose, what are you doing out here?" He had tried to keep his tone light.
At first she didn't answer. Silence hung in the air.
Her voice was soft and quiet. "Why is it always you who seems to find me?"
Her response threw him. It's not what he was expecting at all. There was no sarcastic, quick whited response. Instead there was a sense of sadness in her voice and she wouldn't even look in his direction.
"Two other Guardians have walked right past and nothing. One of them was Guardian Alto and we both know he'd do anything to scold my ass," she added, her voice sullen. "Yet you see me from the other side of the courtyard. You always find me."
Her sad demeanour made him uneasy. He had not seen her like this before, their last conversation taking a far different road. She had been fierce and rude, and he'd called her out. She was right though. He did always find her. It was like he was drawn to her, like a moth to a flame.
But he shouldn't be.
He steeled himself, putting his guardian mask back up as he crouched down just off to her side. "Why are you out here Rose?"
She still wouldn't look at him. "I couldn't sleep."
"So you thought you would sit outside in the rain and freeze to death?" he questioned, arching a brow.
He watched as she blinked, seeming to snap out of her daydream and take in what she was wearing; shorts and a singlet. Even her feet had been bare.
"I didn't...I didn't really stop to think about that," she murmured before looking at him for the first time.
Her eyes didn't have their usual sparkle. They hadn't had that sparkle since before Spokane. He knew she still blamed herself for Mason Ashford's death.
Without a second thought, he stood and removed his duster before draping it around her, her eyes never leaving his.
"Before you freeze."
"Thank you," her voice so quiet he barely hears her.
He resumed his position to the side of her. "Now how about you tell me why you can't sleep."
She studied him momentarily. "You want to talk to me?"
He frowned, confused. "Why wouldn't I want to talk to you Roza?"
He couldn't be sure, but he was fairly certain a faint smile appeared on her face before it was quickly replaced by sadness once again. "We haven't just talked in ages. We usually just fight."
He gave her a sidelong look. "Do you want to fight?"
"No. I hate fighting with you. Verbally I mean. I don't mind the gym."
He couldn't help the small smile that crept over his lips. "I don't like fighting with you either."
He continued to watch her closely as suddenly her eyes glazed over and she slipped away. He'd seen this happen enough to not panic.
A few moments later she gasped as she slipped back out, squinting her eyes.
"God dammit! Make it stop!" she cursed angrily, as her palms pressed against her forehead.
"Roza, what's wrong. Is there something wrong with the princess?" he asked, instantly on alert.
She didn't answer him though, instead dropping her head.
"Rose?"
"Why does it always have to be about her? Why?" she questioned angrily.
"I'm sorry, I-"
"You really want to know why I can't sleep, Dimitri." It was only been then that he had noticed the tears in her eyes. "I can't sleep because no matter how hard I try not to, no matter how much I don't want to, I'm still drawn into Lissa's head! Oh and you want to know if she's okay? She's perfectly fine. She's with Christian. They're having sex for the first time. I don't need to see that."
Her hands moved to her face as she rubbed them up and down, as if trying to diffuse her anger. Dimitri opened his mouth to speak but was cut off.
"You know what I hate? I hate that she gets that moment. I hate that she has the chance to openly love the person her heart's chosen. There's no hiding. No pretending it isn't there. She can give herself to that person." Her eyes bore into his.
He instantly knew that she was referring to their 'relationship' or lack thereof.
"And then there's me," her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Funnily enough, what people say about me couldn't be any further from the truth." She looked so vulnerable. This wasn't his Roza.
"I'm not the blood whore everyone thinks I am," she said defensively before pulling her eyes from his and looking down at her hands. "I'm just a stubborn pain in the ass who embarrasses people."
It took every ounce of Dimitri's self-control to not show how angry those comments made him. His jaw ached from clenching it so tightly, while had his nails been longer, his palms would have bled from the crushing fists he had formed to stop himself from hitting the tree Rose leant against. He did not want to scare her. Moments of silence filled the space around them before her small voice broke through.
"Is that why you're leaving?"
He felt like he'd just been taken down, hard. How did she know?
"Roza how-"
"Guardian Belikov? Rose?" It was Alberta.
What are the chances? Dimitri stood slowly but not before noticing Rose discretely wipe away the tears that had fallen.
Guardian mask in place, he turned to face Alberta, explaining that Rose needed some fresh air having woken from a nightmare. Given all that she had been through in Spokane it was quite plausible.
"I was just about to escort her back to her room, where she will stay," he added the later for effect and to hopefully throw off any suspicions Alberta may have had.
Voicing her agreement, Alberta asked that Rose visit her office at lunch time tomorrow.
"I'll be there, but can I eat first?" came Roza's voice from behind Dimitri, where she still sat against the trunk of the tree.
He couldn't help the smirk that crept over his face while Alberta all out laughed, before assuring her she could eat first, then walked away in the direction of her office.
And then they were alone again. Silence.
The sound of Rose getting to her feet made Dimitri turn around. "I think I'll go back to my room now," she said softly as she handed him back his duster. "Thanks for the chat."
"Roza wait, I didn't know how-" but she was already walking away.
"You should take it," her voice was just loud enough for him to hear.
Dimitri can't help but flinch knowing exactly what she was referring to.
"What?"
"Tasha's offer. You should take her up on it. It's a really great chance."
It was because he knew her so well that he could hear the tears in her voice that she was desperately trying to keep at bay. "Rose…"
"It's ok, I get it." She turned to face him, walking backwards, slowly shaking her head. "She's everything I'm not and she's not a child, plus she can give you a baby. It's something I know you've always wanted. How can I compete with that?" Her voice broke and the tears begin to fall.
He made to move towards her but she held up her hands, crying out as she sobbed. "No. Please don't. It's hard enough already. I...I hope you'll be really happy. Merry Christmas Guardian Belikov."
And then she was gone and Dimitri was left confused and torn. What was he supposed to do? He wanted, no he needed to protect her. He couldn't be selfish.
END FLASHBACK
"Dimitri…Dimitri…Dimitri…"
Movement caught his eye, Christian waving his hand back and forth. "I'm... I'm sorry what did you say?" murmured Dimitri.
Christian's look said it all. His eyes scrutinizing Dimitri, concern written all over his face.
Dimitri was an internal mess, yes. But he had to stay strong for her. "I'm fine. Just remembering." It was clear Christian didn't believe him. Hell, even he didn't believe him.
Dimitri sighed. That night he'd made the biggest mistake of his life. He'd left her. He'd left her alone for months when she had needed him most. It was a desperate middle of the night phone call from Christian that had brought him back, but in all honesty, Dimitri didn't think he could have stayed away much longer. That was over a year ago.
"I don't think I ever thanked you," murmured Dimitri, running his hands over his face, his growing beard making itself known against his palms.
"What for exactly?" asked Christian, evidently confused.
"I left because I thought it was what was best for Rose. I couldn't risk her future," the guilt he held over his choice was evident in his sullen voice. "At least that's what I kept telling myself for months. And then you called me. If you hadn't called…" his voice trailed off at the mere thought of what could have happened.
"Well I'll admit, it wasn't your greatest moment," he said hesitantly. "But, at the risk of sounding like a girl, you're a match made in heaven, or somewhere. If anyone was going to save her, it was going to be you." Dimitri looked up as Christian reached into his pocket pulling out a worn looking envelope. "She begged me to make sure you got this, before she…um," he stumbled. "I'm sorry I didn't remember sooner. With everything else that's happened, Lissa, the questioning, I…"
Dimitri watched as Christian stood and moved around to the foot of the bed. "I'm sorry," he repeated, holding out the envelope, but not coming any closer. "I…I think it's a letter but I don't know. I mean, I didn't open it or anything, I just figured…"
By now Dimitri was standing intimidatingly in front of his charge. He was a great deal taller than Christian Ozera. He held out his hand, cutting Christian off mid-sentence. "Thank you."
He stood unmoving for a moment, the envelope in his hands, Roza's messy scrawl spelling out Comrade.
Christian patted him on the shoulder, albeit cautiously. They'd become more than just a Guardian and his charge. They'd become good friends, although Dimitri knew Christian still found him somewhat intimidating.
"She'll wake up, Dimitri. She's too damn stubborn not too," he added offering a small smile, one that Dimitri couldn't help but return.
He was left alone to his thoughts once more as Christian left to check on the Queen. Envelope in hand, Dimitri slowly lifted the tab on the back. His heart almost stopped as alarms pierced through the silence. The envelope slipped from his hands as he watched in dismay as Rose's body convulsed before him. Within seconds the room was full of medical personnel, Dr. Hathrani included.
Dimitri suddenly found his voice. ""What's going on? You said she was stable!" No one answered him. "Roza!"
Christian, who had raced back into the room, did his best to restrain Dimitri and get him out of the way.
"Her drainage bag is full of blood!" yelled a nurse above the chaos.
"She's got a bleed, someone call surgery," was Dr. Hathrani's matter of fact reply. "Tell them we're on our way now!"
"Why is she bleeding? What's happening? Tell me now!" he all but roared, as his fist put a large hole in the wall behind him. His growing fear at being unable to help Rose as she writhed viciously and uncontrolled on the bed, only served to escalate his anger.
And then Rose stopped. Her body was still as if nothing had happened at all. But the sound of her heart flat-lining made it all too real that something had happened and it wasn't good.
All Dimitri could do was watch in vain, helpless to do anything at all, as the team around Roza fought to keep her with them. He tried to push past Christian to get closer, but he blocked his path imploring Dimitri to let them work. Instead he paced, his hands in his hair. He watched as Dr. Hathrani straddled Roza's once strong and lethal body, her hands pumping her chest with compression after compression. "Let's move, let's move!"
Easily breaking free from Christian's hold, Dimitri pushed his way through the nurses, grasping Rose's hand in his own as he moved alongside the rapidly moving bed, the doctor's compressions never faltering. "Don't you leave me, I'm not done making it up to you yet. You hear me? I'm not done. I love you Roza…"
And then she was gone, her small hand slipping from his as they wheeled her through the swinging doors to surgery.
To be continued…
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