A/N:

Hi All. Here's chapter 4. Since there were no notifications all last week, please make sure you've read the previous chapter before reading this one.

As always, thanks for reading, following, favoriting and especially reviewing.

Hope you like this chapter. It's on the short side but I promise the next one is longer and full of action. And the wait won't be long.

Don't forget to review!


Chapter 4 - The Tour

Rose was still a little dizzy from the kiss on the roof when she lead Dimitri to the classrooms on the first 2 floors of the facility, since he'd already seen HQ and the dormitories on the top floors. For the time being Rose decided on skipping the armory…

The classrooms were filled with young girls and boys ranging from ages 6 to 16, though the majority were girls. Since classes were in session, Rose and Dimitri traveled the halls (which was or the best, Rose didn't want Dimitri turning into a main attraction), as she filled him in on what the kids were studying.

"It's not what I imagined them learning", Dimitri remarked at the content. The younger classes were learning reading and writing while the older classes were learning calculus and science. "I kinda thought it would all be combat and violence classes", he said sheepishly, embarrassed by his own narrow-mindedness. He half expected a scene from a B movie where he would open a door to a ninja training facility, climbing ropes hanging from the ceiling and all.

Rose smirked, "Oh, our training facility and all equipment is on the lower levels. Besides, those classes are earlier in the day and are for the older dhampir students. That's when the moroi learn to use the elemental magic". She had the satisfaction of watching Dimitri's eyes widen. "We still want the education here to be well rounded and not just about maiming and killing or battle magic".

"So you do teach Slayage 101 here?" Dimitri smiled.

Rose pressed her lips together, holding back a laugh and nodding. "We have a wide curriculum of rigorous physical training. Come on, I'll show you the basement", Rose was still smirking. "Actually there might still be some trainees down there".

On their way down, Rose informed Dimitri of what their training entailed. It was brutal. From a young age, they started working on speed and endurance, balance and reflexes. Later on they added combat. Sometime, the only thing that saved you in battle was muscle memory so they spent hours and hours sparring. Lastly was weapons training and staking practice.

"Staking?" Dimitri asked. So much of what he'd heard about vampires was completely different and wrong from what any books or movies showed. He half expected the same regarding staking.

"Yes, staking. There are 3 ways to kill a strigoi. Well, 4 if you count daylight".

Dimitri listened as if this knowledge was one day save his life. Hell, it probably would.

"So the 3 ways to kill a strigoi are a charmed silver stake through the heart, decapitation or fire."

"Charmed? what does that mean?"

"Charmed with the elements", Rose said as they walked through the double doors that opened into a huge training area.

To the far back of the gargantuan gym was a redheaded girl practicing archery. She was practicing shooting while moving. But when she heard the noise Rose and Dimitri made as they walked into the gym, she accidentally released an arrow, that was not aimed at the targets at all. This arrow was headed straight for Rose.

Luckily Rose had years of training and her reflexes were unlike any others'. She sidestepped out of the way, the arrow just missing her. She was expecting to hear the thud as the arrow hit the door that closed behind her and Dimitri, but none came. Turning to face the space she had occupied a nanosecond ago she was shocked to she the arrow suspended in the air. Dimitri had caught the arrow with his bare hand, as if on instinct.

Dimitri stared at his own hand and gasped. He dropped the arrow that clambered on the floor and took a step back. Dimitri had never done anything like that. His mind didn't process that the arrow's trajectory was Rose, but his body certainly did.

If Rose hadn't moved out of the way, Dimitri's catch would have saved her life.

Rose gazed at Dimitri, silently asking if he was okay. When Dimitri nodded slightly, Rose turned to the girl who was in a state of shock, and not just because of the rogue arrow. The girl had never seen a male dhampir before.

"Dalia!", Rose chastised. "What the hell?! Do you have any idea how irresponsible and reckless that was?!"

The girl suddenly realized what she'd done and started apologizing profusely. "I'm so sorry Rose, you distracted me". Then Dalia shrugged, "At least this time I used the arrow head with the dull tips".

Rose sighed in exasperation. "Distractions will get you or one of your sisters killed", She said sternly.

Dalia looked pointedly at her own feet, feeling ashamed of what nearly happened. "I didn't mean to". She was on the verge of tears. Her embarrassment and frustration only grew because she'd made a spectacle of herself in front of a male dhampir. And a cute one, at that.

Rose huffed. "Alright, hit the showers. But if I ever see or hear about anything like this again, I'm reporting it to Alberta. Got it?"

Dalia sagged in relief and nodded before scampering off.

"I swear, that kid is always in trouble", Rose remarked about the 13 year old redhead.

"Something tells me she's not the only one".

Rose scoffed. "You think I'm always in trouble?"

Dimitri shrugged in non committal. "Why else would you have let her off with a warning? She could have seriously injured you, or anyone else who came through that door with slower reflexes".

"Thanks, by the way. For catching the arrow". Rose cleared her throat. "How did you do that anyway?"

"I have no idea. I'm just glad my instinct was to catch it and not stop the damn thing with my… me". Dimitri answered, a little puzzled by his own reply.

"Let's see what else you can do", Rose sauntered to the center of the sparring mats, motioning for Dimitri to follow.

Dimitri shook his head with an indulgent expression but stepped forward none the less. "You should know, I dabbled in some boxing in college and I did martial arts growing up", Dimitri smiled proudly.

"Show me what you got, comrade".

Dimitri couldn't help but remember how Rose moved when she took down the strigoi the night before. He swallow hard, knowing he was going to get his ass handed to him. Then again, he did catch that arrow mid air, so maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't look like a total fool.

They circled each other for a while. Dimitri was mimicking Rose's stance, figuring it was his best shot at this point.

Rose threw a relatively slow punch at him, as a warm up, just to see how Dimitri handled himself.

Dimitri easily blocked. So Rose threw a fast punch, followed by a faster punch, followed by a faster punch. Each time, Dimitri blocked or sidestepped.

"Impressive for someone with no training", Rose remarked.

She was truly impressed, so she upped her game with a combination of punches and high kicks. Dimitri took a hit to the side with a grunt and another hit to the back that left him winded.

"Stop going on the defensive and hit me!", Rose commanded.

The tone of her voice suddenly turned something on in Dimitri like a switch. He stepped forward and attacked, jab, jab, right hook. Rose blocked and ducked. It seemed like Dimitri was on full alert.

Rose slugged him in the gut and stepped back. She wiggle her ass just a little when she playfully said, "This is really fun".

Dimitri surprised her with his wind grin. "It is".

Rose took that as her queue, swept Dimitri's legs and knocked him to the mats. He never even saw it coming. Rose had him pinned both both arms above his head as she straddled him.

Dimitri was panting. And it wasn't just from the exertion of the fight.

Rose held her place astride Dimitri's lap, staring down at him. In that moment, she was sure Dimitri was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen. She sat there for longer than sparring dictated was necessary or acceptable. Much longer. She couldn't drag her eyes away from his. Those bottomless brown orbs were practically sparkling.

Dimitri cocked his eyebrow. With boldness he'd never had before, Dimitri asked, "So, you got any other moves you wanna show me?"

Rose was off him in a second and pulling him to his feet. Rose was stuck in her perfect little world where she could pretend anything was possible until Dimitri spoke and ruined everything. He ruined everything by reminding her was an actual flesh and blood man, not a mirage. A man who would likely get killed if he stuck around her for too long. Just like her mom.

Rose headed towards the door, making sure Dimitri knew the moment was over. Dimitri trailed behind her while she lead the way back upstairs to HQ. As far as Rose was concerned, the tour was over, she'd done her job.

Rose spotted Adrian by his desk and marched right up to him. "I need to talk to Alberta. Can you watch him?" she pointed at Dimitri, who was taken aback by Rose's coldness.

"Actually," Adrian replied, "Syd and I just got back from his apartment and put his stuff in your room. I could take him there", he suggested. "He looks like he could use a shower and a change of clothes", Adrian made a face.

"Fine", Rose answered.

She started to walk off towards Alberta's office when Dimitri grabbed her arm and spun her around. "I'm sorry for what I said, Rose. I didn't mean to offend you", the regret and pain was evident in his eyes.

Rose shook her head. "You didn't say anything wrong. Just go with Adrian. I have to talk to Alberta", her voice was apologetic.

Dimitri left with Adrian. As soon as he was out of sight Rose marched straight to Alberta's office. There was a meeting that Rose chose to ignore. "I need to talk to you. Now. Please".

Alberta's eyes widened at Rose's plea. Rose never said please. It must be serious.

In an attempt to still seem like the person in charge, Alberta cleared the room, "Rose, I'm very interested in your report on the Doctor. Please excuse us", she addressed the room.

Once everyone cleared out Rose crumbled to the seat closest to Alberta. "Send him away, Bertie. Please", Rose spoke softly, her voice trembling.

"What's going on? Did he do something?" Alberta rubbed her back.

Rose rolled her eyes. "He didn't do anything. He's a good man, Alberta. We can't do this to him".

"Do what? All we're doing is offering him a chance to do what he was born to do".

Rose crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm not so sure. What if he was meant to be a doctor? What if he's not cut out for this life?"

"He seems to be taking everything well so far. He hasn't expressed wanting to leave yet. In fact he was eager to learn more. I got the feeling he was going to try and find information on his birth parents". Alberta paused, then asked, "What is this really about?"

"We're going to get him killed", Rose replied. "I get that you think he's our savior or salvation or whatever. But you know I never believed in that stupid prophesy. And I don't want him to die!" Rose was a bit incoherent. Alberta hadn't seen Rose so emotional since Jeanine went MIA.

And that's when it dawned on Alberta. Rose wasn't worried that Dimitri's blood would be on her hands. She was genuinely afraid of losing him. Alberta didn't think Rose would get so attached to this man so soon. She was left at a loss for words. "Let's give it another night. Take him out hunting with you tonight, so he can see how we operate. The decision is still his, not yours or mine or anyone else's".

Rose huffed. "Sydney doesn't seem to agree with that. She told me to convince him to stay by any means necessary. She actually insinuated that I spread my legs for him. What does she think I have? A magical pussy?"

Ignoring Rose's crudeness, Alberta answered diplomatically, "I do agree that if anyone could convince Dimitri to stay, it would be you. But I hardly think Sydney would pimp you out, dear".

"I wouldn't put it past her. She's spends way to much time with Adrian".


Dimitri followed Adrian reluctantly back to Rose's room.

"So, what were you apologizing for, big guy?"

"That's between Rose and I", Dimitri answered stiffly.

"Jeez, lighten up. I didn't mean anything by it". Adrian held up his palms in surrender. "So, how was the tour?" he was trying to make small talk as they made their way to the dormitories.

"Enlightening", Dimitri replied dryly.

Adrian came to the conclusion that Dimitri was going to be a tough cookie to break. But no one, not even this lonely dhampir, could resist Adrian's charms for long.

"Rose seems taken with you", Adrian remarked. Dimitri had no answer, so Adrian continued. "Which is why I think you should leave sooner rather than later".

"What?" Dimitri barked at his companion.

Adrian left all playfulness aside. "The longer you stay, the more she'll get attached to you and the more her heart will break when you decide to leave".

Adrian suddenly didn't seem like such a worm to Dimitri. "Who said I'm leaving?"

When they reached the privacy of Rose's room, Adrian gave Dimitri the duffle bag full of things from his apartment. "Look, all you've seen till now is fun and games. You've never been on the hunt. Never slayed. You don't really know what this life is about. And yet you're being asked to make a decision whether you want to leave everything and everyone you know behind, to build a life from scratch. A life of full of scars and loss". Apparently Adrian could b quite poetic when he wanted to be. He took a deep breath once he finished his trance-like speech. "There's something I think you should know before you make that decision". Adrian knew Sydney was going to kill him for this. But Dimitri had a right to know. "There's this old prophesy about a male dhampir…"