CHAPTER FOUR

After all of that Adrian and I first headed to my apartment so I could put on my gym wear (hot pink sports bra, grey sweat pants from Victoria Secret, tennis shoes, and my PINK gym bag with everything else I needed in it) then we headed to the sparing gym, "Adrian you don't have to come here. Go and feed and by the time your back I should be done sparing."

We stopped just outside the gym, "You sure? I could stay if you wanted..."

I rolled my eyes and pecked him on the lips, "Just go. I already let Brian know. He's on the way."

He laughed and pulled me to him to deepen the kiss. When we were done, and parted ways, I went to go stretch by my brother. He smiled when he seen me, "Quite a show you put on outside."

I raised a questioning brow, to which he laughed again. "You two kissing and holding each other. Chadov was shooting daggers at you two."

I rolled my eyes and cast a glance at him. He was sparring with some other guardians and smiled when he caught sight of my looking. That caused him to get tackled. "This guy doesn't even know me." I scoffed

Joe shrugged and looked amused while we watched the two of them spar, "You're a guardian and very pretty. You're also Russian and I don't know... Maybe he thinks your bad ass. You think he'll try anything?"

I shrugged and pulled Jo over to the sparring center. If he did he'd get his ass whooped. I'm not about to have anything come between Adrian and I. "If he was smart he wouldn't. Come on, let's spar."

He smiled mischievously and faced me. We both circled waiting for the other to start. He leaped at me and swung. I quickly ducked and swung my leg out below me sending him to the floor. I jumped on him, grabbing his arm and pinning it back. With my legs I locked his in place so he could barely move. He may be bigger and stronger but I know the right moves and how to use them. I bent my head down so I could whisper in his ear, "See, told you I could show you up."

He growled, "Shut it." He rammed his head up and mad impact on my nose. It loosened my grip so he pulled me up and flipped me in front of him. He tried to land on me but I jumped up last minute. I landed a kidney shot sending him sprawling on the floor. When I tried to pin him down again he seem it coming and kicked me off. I whipped my fist out catching him in the jaw and followed with a kick to the stomach. He recovered and landed a hit to my lip but before he could bring his arm back I took hold of it and flipped him. I pulled him up to the wall while he was still reeling from the flip, pinned him, and mock staked him. I stepped back and smiled.

"Jesus." He huffed, "I don't remember you being so fast."

I shrugged while wiping my face off, "Learning all kinds of different fighting stances has its advantages. If you would've came to St. Petersburg with me you would've learned it too."

"I'll have to contact whoever was your teacher if I ever vacation or move back to Russia." He said rubbing his back where I kicked him. I didn't particularly feel bad because we never go easy on each other. He smiled as he sat down on one of the benches, "Shit... I think if I practiced hard enough I could take you on again."

I scoffed, "Please. I'm almost positive that's not true. Oh god, Chadov is coming over here. Quick! Act like we're getting ready to spar again."

He looked at me like I was crazy and continued his labored breathing, "Are you kidding me? I think I stretched wrong and pulled a muscle. I'd probably pass out if you did it again."

Before I could reply Chadov was already beside us smiling like an idiot. I looked at him wearily. I've herd of this guy back home. He's a genuine player who doesn't stop until he gets what he wants. Apparently he doesn't let anyone get in his way, Dhampir or Moroi. I know nothing's going to happen I just don't want him pissing off Adrian.

"Wow," he laughed taking me out if my thoughts, "That was very interesting. I haven't seen that type of Russian Martial Arts in a while. Even then it was always from the older Guardians."

I shrugged, "I learned from one of the best Guardians. He's Guardian Andre Klyaver. He guards the Russian-"

"President." He finished nodding, "Yes. I tried to get him to train me but he said he was busy with his new pupil. Something about keeping his amazing techniques alive with someone who could appreciate them." he smirked, "I guess he meant you."

"I guess he did. He taught me a lot. We just didn't really get to the newest guardian fighting techniques. He doesn't like bringing weapons into it." I said as I sat next to Joe

Chadov nodded, "Most don't like to. I understand that but Strigoi won't think twice about it. I wanted to ask you something though. The both of you if you don't mind." He beckoned for us to follow him

I looked over to Joe for conformation. He just shrugged, handed me my bag and followed him. Chadov led us outside of the gym where the Ambassador was waiting. I was feeling a little bit uneasy. You don't talk to an Ambassador of a country in gym clothes. Especially in a sports bra and sweat pants. Un professional.

He nodded to us, "Guardian Chadov, Bashmakov, and Alto. I'm sure you're both wondering why we wanted to talk you." He continued after we nodded, "Well it appears the address the guardians found was a fraud, but we do have a lead on these particular Strigoi. It might take a while for us to track them down but it will happen. In the mean time we want to start training some of the new-bees who are on the team in some extreme techniques. They're Moroi with special powers. I want them to be just as good in fighting as Dhampirs. There will also be Dhampirs on the team, so we'll have special classes for the Moroi to go to so they can master their power. We want you two to help train. Umm you Guardian Alto would train them in kick boxing and the basics of martial arts, Guradian Bashmakov you would be training them in old fashioned Guardian fighting and Russian martial arts. Guardian Belikov would be helping you with the Russian martial arts and he would also be training them in up to date guardian training. Guardian Hathaway would be overlooking everything and adding in what she sees necessary as will Guardian Chadov. Chadov also has some techniques he'd like to show them. They'll be helping one another. Also," he added excitedly, "King Ozera and Queen Dragamoir will be training them to use their power. This should be quite interesting. I've never had the royals join in on this."

My eyebrows rose, "Wow. That's a lot of training to do in a short amount of time." How long we're they planning on this whole thing being? They can't postpone finding these Strigoi. That's just ridiculous.

"Well the training and everything, we're estimating, might only be for a few months. That's how long we think it'll take to track these guys down, and by then we'll have a big enough group to take them all down." Chadov answered, "Guardian Hathaway and Belikov said they'd both do it if you two did."

"When would we start?" Joe asked eyeing me. He was probably wondering why I wasn't jumping at this opportunity. Anything that takes me away from Adrian more often I don't like. Not that I won't do it.

"On Monday of course. There's a big ball coming up on Saturday for the Queens sister I hear so we won't start till Monday. Plus we still need a few of the students to come in." The Ambassador answered, "Do you want to join in?"

Joe and I nodded in sync, "Yeah," I said, "Whatever will help."

Chadov grinned, "Great!" Then he eyed me up and down for a minute, "Are you sure your Moroi boyfriend won't flip out about it? There won't be much free time. I've herd the Ivaskovs could be quite rude if they don't get what they want. Isn't he controlling?"

The Ambassador gasped, "Chadov!" At the same time my brother growled slightly. I know Joe doesn't like Adrian but he also doesn't like random people getting involve in our families business.

I narrowed my eyes, "I hardly think that's any of your business."

He put up both hands, "I didn't mean to upset anyone. I'm just saying-"

"Perhaps you shouldn't say anything then." Barked Joe. He crossed his arms and was scowling at him.

The Ambassador cleared his throat, "Chadov," he also barked, "Enough. Let's go. Now." With that they both nodded and walked off. He really needs to not worry about whether or not Adrian will be happy with this arrangement. I don't even know him and he's putting in his opinion about my relationship.

Joe scoffed and led me back into the gym, "The nerve of that guy. I don't like the way he looks at you either. Ridiculous."

I shook my head, "He hasn't tried anything. Let's not over react because then Adrian will get pissed off." I said as I began kickboxing with a practice punching bag. Joe was behind it holding it steady.

"It doesn't matter if he's tried anything or not. Put him in his place or he will. Maybe you should tell Ivashkov." He reasoned, "That way he can talk to him about the flirting and the looks and what not."

"Joe," I huffed as I continued, "He already knows about the crush, and he can't do anything about how Chadov looks at me. I don't want Adrian to get mad or anything. Nothing is going to happen because I'm not going to let it. He knows I have a boyfriend. That should be the end of it."

Joe sighed, "I guess. I just don't want you to get hurt again. I see how much Ivashkov makes you happy and I don't want somebody like Chadov coming between that."

I smiled slightly as we switched places, "That was a quick change of heart. He's growing on you isn't he?"

He hit the bag hard enough to get me off balance, "That's not what I said. What I meant," he kicked the side of the bag closest to me, I scowled, he continued, "was that I'm not going to get in the way of you two because that would hurt you. Therefor I'm not letting anyone else do it either."

"Can't you just admit that you like him? Just a little?" I asked rolling my eyes

Bad idea. He scowled backed up and high kicked the punching bag making me land on my ass, hard. "Jeeze." I scoffed getting up fast, "Calm down."

He smiled widely, "You may be able to get me during sparring but I can get you by surprise." He looked up and rolled his eyes again, "I guess it's time for us to leave."

I turned around in time to see Adrian coming in. He was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans. A more casual look for him but it worked. His hair tussled like normally. He was holding my leather jacket and smiled widely when he seen me. I smiled back and waited for him, "Do you have to go guard Jill today?"

He shook his head and wiped down the punching bag, "I have the rest of the day and night off. I have all day tomorrow though, so if you don't mind I'll be coming over to your apartment tonight."

Adrian made his way over to us and kissed me. I smiled and answered Joe, "Yeah that's fine. I think mama is making herself busy over there anyway."

"I have a stop to make before I go but I'll meet you two over there." He nodded and left. I quickly showered and got dressed out of gym clothes. We started walking towards my house when Adrian turned me around and started walking towards his place.

"I have a surprise for you. I think you'll like it." He winked and led me to his place. He held his hands over my eyes and led me somewhere in the condo.

"Babe..." I groaned, "Where are you taking me?" I bounced with excitement and herd him laugh softly in my ear.

"The bedroom. Just wait..." I heard him rattling around in a bag, "Okay. Open your eyes." When I opened my eyes I seen a beautiful white ballerina dress with a white boostea on the front. It was a halter dress and looked like it went up to mid-thigh. Lying on it was a beautiful diamond necklace, and beside it cute strappy black stilettos. I was stunned and speechless. I was also utterly happy. I looked up at him in shock. He smiled, "I thought you could use something for the party, and when I saw this dress I thought it would look perfect on you. The accessories Rose and Lissa helped pick out. Do you like it?"

I walked over to the bed and ran my hands over the fabric, "Like it? I love it. You really shouldn't have done this Adrian. It's-"

"Don't. I wanted to." He smiled and kissed me deeply bringing our hands together, "I can't wait to see you in it. Come on, by now your families probably getting antsy."

I laughed and took the bag from him when he gathered up all of the stuff. When we got to my house there was a dramatic change. My mom had definitely done some redecorating. The living room couch had the quilt our old couch had over it. Hand knitted from my Grandma Bashmakov and on each side of the couch, in between where Joe was sitting, were the hand stitched pillows my Grandma Alto gave me. On the table there were pictures of me and my brother as children, one of Valentin and my mom, and the one of Adrian and I my mom brought. On the table that was just out of the living room were sitting the old knick knacks I had in my room back in Russia. Beside the living room table my mom set up a little play area for Valentin, and in the kitchen she was cooking away. Food and dishes splayed out everywhere. She looked up from her concentration to see us walk in.

"Ah! Devochka!" She said coming over to greet us, "I was wondering when you two were going to get here. See," she motioned around my house, "I brought a little Russia home for you. Now if you don't like it of course-"

"It's wonderful mama. Thank you so much!" I bent down and hugged her, "Do you need any help in the kitchen?"

She swatted at my arm, "No no. The foods cooking now, all I need to do is clean up the mess and set the table."

"Don't worry. I've got it. You three have some family time." Adrian surprised us by offering. Wow. He is an amazing person, "Don't look so surprised. I'd do just about anything for you." He smiled and walked to the kitchen.

After I put the bag Adrian gave me in my room my mom and I walked to the living room, "This is good. I, well I needed to talk to you two anyway. It's important." She had me sit next to Joe and she across the table in the rocking chair.

Joe cocked his head, "What is it mama? If it's about the Strigoi-"

"If it's about the Strigoi," I interrupted softly, "Then we shouldn't speak of it here." I flashed my eyes to Valentin, "We don't want to scare him."

"We're talking in English." Joe countered, "He can't understand anyway."

"No, no. Hush." Mom silenced, "It's not about that. It's about... Well it's about your father."

I was embarrassed to admit I was getting a little bit excited. I mean, could they finally be getting married or something? Maybe he's decided to move back to Russia, or even better her here! Before I could answer Joe did, "Ahh, you two seemed to be chatting it up earlier."

She nodded, "Yes. We were talking about us. I'm not sure how to really tell you guys this. It's difficult..." She trailed off looking worriedly at us

"Mama... You can tell us. Don't worry." I said trying to make her feel better.

She heaved a heavy sigh and looked at us, "Your father and I have decided to stop seeing each other."

My eyebrows shot up in shock. I recently haven't been the biggest fan of my dad but I didn't want this to happen. My mom was always head over heels for him, and they have Valentin. My mom must be devastated. Well she doesn't look very heart broken. She looks nervous, but that's it. Joe must be taking it hard. I snuck a look at him. Yup. His eyebrows scrunched up and his nose was flared. He looked pissed.

"What?" He barked, "You just got here. You guys just got back together, a family again, and you're going to break apart? Really? I get that there might be a little bit of problems that need to be fixed but give it time at least!" He was starting to shout and that caused Valentin to look up at us in curiosity

"Joe, it's not that simple." She said calmly, "We just, we've grown apart and we're just not that same as we were back then. We love each other but we're not in love."

He scoffed, "That's just ridiculous! I can't believe this!" he yelled throwing his hands up, "You just give up! What is that? We weren't a family when Calliey and I were growing up. Now you have a chance to give that to Valentin and your just letting it pass by!" By this time he was leaning over the table making hand gestures at my mom. She looked shocked. So was I. I never knew he cared so much about this. He always seemed so aloof when it came to our parents that I didn't really think any of it got to him. I also have never heard him talk to our mother like this. Now that I know it does I should step in before it gets really ugly.

I stood up and took his arm, gently trying to pull him towards the other room, "Joe you need to calm down. Thing like this happen. We're still a family."

"Stop!" He ripped his arm away, "No. Valentin doesn't need to grow up without a father. Without someone to be there to help him. He-"

"He'll still have a father Joe." Mom interrupted, "We're staying here. I've already talked to your father about it."

At this point Valentin had enough of the yelling. He started to cry and try and walk towards me but he was so upset he just kept knocking himself down. I quickly picked him up and tried to calm him down. Adrian walked over to me.

"Joe stop and calm down for a second." I said trying to reason with him, "It's all going to be fine. Mom and Valentin are staying here so Dad will be able to be in Valentin's life. Also it won't change anything between the two of you or three of us." I didn't know anything about the situation but I was trying to calm him down. He looked like he was going to yell some more but then seen Valentin hiding in the crook of my neck and stopped.

"Fine. I'll see you all later." He grumbled and walked out the door. Mom looked after Joe worriedly for a second before going to the kitchen.

"Jeeze." I breathed to Adrian, "This is going to be bad. I don't think he really dealt with his anger towards our parents."

He squeezed my hand, "Maybe he finally will now. You can help him through it."

I looked at him worriedly, "Maybe."